State, local issues at stake Tuesday

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By Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer Updated 4:37 PM Monday, November 2, 2009

Tuesday’s election may not have the high profile of last year’s, but off-year elections are when voters get a chance to pick the local government officials who make many of the decisions that have the most direct impact on daily life.

In addition, levies — for schools, libraries and parks — are on the ballot.

And there are three statewide issues, including the controversial casino question.

Turnout is expected to be 38.5 percent, according to Steve Harsman, director of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is not making statewide turnout projections, according to spokesman Jeff Ortega.

The weather is expected to be nice, if a little on the chilly side. According to the National Weather Service, the day will start out cloudy, but the clouds are expected to clear. Highs will be in the low 50s.

Harsman said the most notable aspect of this election is the spike in absentee participation. More people are coming to vote early at the board of elections office and by absentee ballots than in previous odd-year elections.

In fact, the 16,000 requests for absentee ballots is double the number from 2007, he said. That year 6,800 people wound up casting absentee ballots. With 9,000 ballots already cast this year, Harsman expects the final tally of absentee votes will hit 14,500 this year.

Absentee ballots must be postmarked by the day of the election and cannot be handed to poll workers at polling places. They must go directly to the board of elections office, by mail or hand-delivered by the voter or a relative, said Betty Smith, deputy director of the Montgomery County board.

Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and voters are reminded to bring identification.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of the story had the incorrect time for poll closings Tuesday.

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