SUAMICO, Wis.— Making sure her vote counts was the first thing on Laura Cormier’s mind as stood in line outside a polling place in Suamico Tuesday morning.

It was one of the last steps of a tumultuous presidential campaign that has seemingly dragged on for years.

One day, we’ll all tell the story of the 2020 election to whoever will listen.

“The most stressful election to date in my lifetime,” Cormier said.

While voters voted and counters counted, it seems unlikely we’ll know who the president-elect is Wednesday night. Some have seen that story before — in 2000 when the contest dragged on for weeks after Election Day.

For a new generation of voters like Olivia Schaut of Suamico — and those voters with a few more elections under their belt — it’s hard to top 2020 when it comes to milestone elections.

“It’s definitely a crazy one to tell,” she said. “It’s one we’ll always remember, not only with the pandemic but as being an important election. It’s been a crazy year.” 

The election has also left an indelible mark on individuals and the country, said Cindy Hansen of De Pere.

“It’s been a lot of hate and anger through 2020,” she said. “And the last four years, I feel like people have just shown a very ugly side of humanity. There’s no more inclusion. it’s all black and white — you’re either left or you’re right — nobody comes together anymore, and it’s actually very sad.”

Cormier sums up Nov. 3, 2020, for a lot of folks.

“I’m very relieved my vote is in," she said. "it’s going to be a stressful few days, I think." 

That’s when one more chapter of 2020 will be written.