MANITOWOC, Wis. — Richard Urban is preparing for a wild ride in the next few weeks.

Like millions of voters, he’s watching what happens in the presidential battleground state he calls home.

“I think we’re going to see a lot of controversy and I think there’s still going to be a November surprise,” said Urban, who lives in the small town of Cato in Manitowoc County. “I think there’s going to be a lot to this campaign we can’t even imagine yet.”

Wisconsin has seen a steady parade of presidential candidates and their surrogates in recent weeks — a trend that’s not expected to abate as the Nov. 3 election draws closer.

“It’s so different from last time when Hillary Clinton wasn’t here at all,” said Wendy Scattergood, an assistant professor of political science at St. Norbert College in De Pere. “Of course Trump was here a few times… but we’re seeing so many more visits from the candidates themselves and a lot more money being spent on political ads. Anyone watching any kind of TV, or even when they’re online and they’re seeing the margin ads, there’s a lot of that going on… We’re just inundated.”

Candidates are taking their messages to communities large and small — highlighting the importance of every vote.

“When we’re talking about 22-23,000 votes, every single person turning out is going to be really key,” Scattergood said.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was in Manitowoc Monday. That city’s mayor said the visit is an indication of just how important Wisconsin is to this election.

“The fact the Joe Biden campaign picked Manitowoc really does speak volumes,” Mayor Justin Nickels said. “We’re excited the candidates, at least Joe Biden right now, are looking at the race and who is going to determine it. It’s communities like Manitowoc. You know, manufacturing; hard-working; our people built our community. That’s what built America and that’s what’s going to decide this election.”

Whoever wins the election will inherit a divided county — but one that can be pulled together with leadership that embraces all citizens and political ideals.

“Our leaders really have to show that by example, to take that personal aspect out of the equation and focus on the details of policy,” Scattergood said. “That is actually where we have a lot in common.”