We have received dozens of slate mailers touting candidates and propositions, been deluged by TV and radio advertisements espousing the virtues of some candidates and the alleged flaws of other candidates. Ditto for some of the propositions. We have talking heads on television and talking mouths on radio talking endlessly about specific candidates, propositions, and sinister election strategies.
We are told that there is an uprising of voters against incumbents of all stripes. The so-called tea party movement is reported as a non-partisan outpouring of angst about government, government policies and growth of government and taxes. Immigration and the control or lack of control of our borders is a hot button issue that has some people in frenzy. It is reported that many voters are angry about bailouts and favoritism at the federal level especially. And the issue of government employee pay and retirement plans is front and center in visibility as well, with some newspapers (such as the Orange County Register) and advocacy groups urging change and bemoaning the influence of public sector unions.
Newspapers and blogs, including this blog, contain writings and responses ranting about candidates and issues, and strong opinions and debates on these political topics stream forth. At times it seems everyone is talking about one hot button political issue or another, making it easy to conclude the public is really engaged.
Finally, the June 8 California Primary election is here. Those of us who vote anticipate the results, and perhaps a brief lull in all the political rhetoric before it starts all over again for the November election. But, amidst all this frenzy comes this report on KNX news today – the California Secretary of State anticipates a low voter turnout, with two-thirds of voters not voting.
Two-thirds? With all this frenzy, how can that be? Yet, based upon the turnout for past elections, it seems believable. Two-thirds of the voters don’t care enough about just one of these elective offices or just one of the propositions to make voting a priority, even by the easy to use absentee ballot process?
Disappointing to say the least. Guess they are in good company though, because the likely winner of the Republican nomination for Governor of California has a track record of not voting either.
Primary turnout has been steadily declining since the 60’s when it was over 60%. Fewer voters affiliate with parties, and many registered with the party have no real attachment.
We may have a record low turnout for a gubernatorial primary election.