Early Voting Numbers Disappoint, Signal Low Election Turnout

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Barely nine-thousand people have voted early in Salt Lake County, so far. That's less than half the number who voted early during last year's election. And it's a big disappointment to Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen:

"If this is an indication, then people just are not that interested in this election," says Swensen. "And it's really unfortunate because we spent a lot of money and staff. The state law required us to set up 12 early voting locations - one in every Senate district."

Swensen says early voting numbers are usually a good predictor of turnout on Election Day. She was expecting a modest turnout tomorrow around 35 percent, compared to 46 percent last year. But now Swensen says turnout might be even lower, and she's not sure why:

"You know, we've advertised the locations and sent out the polling notice in the mail,"says Swensen. "The only thing I can determine is that maybe people aren't that interested or they're not sure how to vote on vouchers and they're just not turning out."

Polls open Tuesday morning at 7 a.m.

Voters around the state will decide the fate of school vouchers. Salt Lake City residents will choose a new mayor and vote on a large property tax bond for new police and fire buildings. Voters on the Eastside of the Jordan School District could create their own smaller district. And Heber residents will decide if they want Wal-Mart in town.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Election Coverage, and Election 2007. Copyright 2009 KCPW