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Election turnout disappoints; 2010 ballot will be big
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share thisThe voter turnout two weeks ago on election day was a disappointing 25 percent in Northumberland County, the worst in recent memory for a general election.
Having just one in four registered voters actually cast ballots leaves a feeling that perhaps the majority isn't well represented in the results. But the turnout doesn't matter; those who get the most votes still win.
There were no high-profile state or national races to draw people to the polls in 2009, but there were a number of divisive contests in Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Township and elsewhere that should have enticed people to carry out this most important of civic responsibilities. It's not the same as voting for president, certainly, but the impact on local life is likely greater.
The 2009 election year is now past, but it's not too early to think about 2010. If people locally and statewide want more interesting races, they've got them:
- Belfanti and Phillips: These veteran local lawmakers will be up for re-election to the state House of Representatives. Neither has made any formal announcement, but the buzz has it that Belfanti, who continues to fight health problems, won't be running for re-election. That alone will likely result in a very interesting collection of candidates who will make both the primary and general elections interesting.
- Governor: Ed Rendell's two-term limit is ending, and it appears the Democrats will have a full slate of primary contenders who, most likely, will face Republican Tom Corbett next November. Again, either way, this is a race worth following - and a vote worth casting.
- Congress: It'll be round 3 for Democrat U.S. Rep. Chris Carney on the campaign trail. It comes around quickly; he's sure to have competition from the Republicans if not his own party, and who knows how the national state of affairs with Obama's declining popularity will play into this race.
May seems like a long ways off, but it will be here soon. Besides, in Pennsylvania, the deadline to register to vote is 30 days prior to each election. There are many ways to register, starting with the county election bureau or the Department of State's votepa.com Web site.
Be sure to have a say in next year's elections, and let's see if we can greatly improve on that 25 percent showing from Nov. 3.
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