King County’s still countin some straggling votes, but it appears that turnout
Published 8:00 am Thursday, November 8, 2007
King County’s still countin some straggling votes, but it appears that turnout Tuesday, though paltry, wasn’t embarrassing (at least by historical standards). So far it looks to be about 42.5 percent. The county predicted 48 percent. Of course it’s an off year. No Congressional elections, no president to choose at the top of the ticket. Off-year elections are notoriously hard to predict and often depend heavily on what local issues capture the electorate’s imagination. In 2005, more than 53 percent if King County voters turned out, perhaps boosted by the initiative to ban smoking indoors, or the one that restored the state auditor’s authority to conduct agency performance reviews. In 2003, only about 35 percent of King County residents cast their vote in the general. This year’s turnout, though nothing to write home about, was no doubt helped by the roads and transit package and race for King County prosecutor, not to mention a couple of messy city council battles.All that said, would love to see the day when less than 50 percent of people actively participating in their Democracy isn’t considered acceptable, or even normal. Maybe to get there we need to add participation prizes, instant online gratification– or better yet, make it a requirement, no grocery store purchases or ATM withdrawals before your vote is tallied.For updated 2007 (and historical) King County election results go here.For Onstot’s Election Night video that might even make her old broadcast prof proud go here.
