Today's Virginian-Pravda carries the story on how City leaders are panicking and want to move City Council and School Board elections back to May. http://hamptonroads.com/2008/11/beach-leaders-question-switch-nov-voting
First, does anyone seriously think the Obama Administration Justice Department would grant clearance to go back to May? Not only would it mean cutting turnout by at least two-thirds, but November meant a large minority turnout we hadn't seen in May.
Second, they're making the huge mistake about this election that I predicted shortly after the change. Don't learn too many lessons from November 4! In November, 2010 there will be neither a Presidential nor Senatorial race on the ballot. Therefore, turnout should be 40-45% rather than the 70% we just saw.
3 comments:
OHHHH, so that's why Hampton had/have their's in May. Because they had 11% turnout this last election. all the bum..err canidates went unopposed. u think VA Beach has it bad. at least ur leaders don't still think it's the 50's
What makes you think that it would not go back to the 17% turnout as in the last local election held in May of 2004?
I hope it does turnout your percentage but the way the Council is running scared they will do everyting to get the election back to May.
What do you think can be done to stop them from returning it to May?
Anon 9:15,
Are the questions to Shooter or I? My answers:
1. Historically, Congressional elections draw about 40% turnout.
2. The biggest obstacle - as I mentioned - is going to be the Justice Department. Under The Voting Rights Act of 1965, any procedural changes in Virginia require their preclearance.
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