The turnout at last month’s California primary was the largest in over 25 years, according to Secretary of State Debra Bowen. More than 9 million voters, representing better than 57% of those registered, turned out to vote. The turnout record is still the one set in 1976 (post-Watergate) when nearly 73% of registered voters cast ballots.
Our next voting opportunity will be in June, when the “regular” California primary will be held. Two eminent domain propositions will be on the ballot, along with partisan primaries for Congressional and State legislative races, county supervisor, Superior Court judges, county central committee, and a small handful of other local races.
This stuff is red meat for folks like me who follow local events. I find city and school board political drama considerably more interesting than that Presidential stuff, but unfortunately I’m in the minority in this regard.
Anyone want to hazard a guess at what the turnout will be in June?
H/T to the Sacramento Bee and Capitol Weekly. Image credit US Dept of Health and Human Services.
Sadly, I am willing to bet that it will be less than half the number of voters we saw in February.
I work on the yes on 99/no on 98 website, but I think it’s really important to note how dangerous Prop 98 is. Not only would it eliminate rent control, but it would also end renters protections like security deposit deadlines, eviction protections and more.
Check out Paul Hogarth’s story on Beyond Chron for more information about the recent attacks of landlors upon tenants activists. ( http://beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=5480 )
Sean: that’s a good bet. I think we’ll be lucky to get very far into the double digits. One of the reasons I have chosen to write on a local blog is that I want to raise awareness of State and local issues. People don’t care about issues they don’t know about, and they don’t vote when they don’t know much. Education is key. There’s plenty of information available about national and international news, but way too little about state and local news.
Brian: if I ever find the time I will write something about 98 and 99. But probably closer to the election.
Go one step further. How about turnout for non-partisan races in November?