NBC News declared Scott Walker the projected winner in the Wisconsin recall effort. After the most expensive campaign in Wisconsin's history, the governor will get to keep his seat. Officials estimated the turnout to be close to the 69 percent level  — right up there with the 2008 presidential election. Here's a look at the day in pictures.

John Gress/Reuters

Voters lining up to vote at the French Immersion School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Tom Lynn/Getty Images

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker walking past members of the press after he filled out his ballot in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Andy Manis/Getty Images

Crowds gathering outside of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.

Jeffrey Phelps/AP Photo

A woman casting her ballot in Milwaukee. Wisconsin.

Early this morning, the Wisconsin Assembly passed a bill to strip most public workers of their collective bargaining rights. After debating for more than 60 hours straight, Republicans shut down the debate and called a surprise vote. BAM — just like that.

This is the first big action on fulfilling Republican Governor Scott Walker’s master plan of so-called budget repair. The measure now goes to the Senate, where minority Democrats have been missing for a week, preventing a vote in that chamber.

Speaker Pro Tem Bill Kramer opened the roll and closed the seemingly never-ending debate within seconds. Democrats looked around as if the rug had been pulled out from under them. Only 13 of the 38 Democratic members managed to vote in time. At that point, the Dems got up, chanting "Shame! Shame! Shame!" and “Cowards!” as Republicans filed out of the room.

Slate.com reporter and MSNBC contributor Dave Weigel posted this video of the chaotic scene.