Cape County clerk estimates 37 percent turnout for Tuesday's election

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan predicted earlier this week that voter turnout in Tuesday's primary will be at 24 percent; however, local election officials say Cape Girardeau County could have a higher representation at the polls.

"I do think Cape County's voter turnout will be higher than the state estimated 24 percent. Out of the 51,360 registered voters in Cape County, I am estimating an approximate 37 percent turnout," said Kara Clark Summers, Cape Girardeau County clerk.

She said that as of Wednesday, 494 absentee ballots had been requested and 329 of those had been returned to her office.

Clark Summers said that in the last nonpresidential primary, in 2006, county voter turnout was a little more than 20 percent. She thinks the races and issues on the ballot will bring out more voters this year.

"Listening to constituents' concerns, I think the presiding commissioner race is definitely a hot topic of interest. There are other local and statewide races and issues that will bring more people out to vote than usual. People seem to be more concerned and involved as to who they are electing and how their tax dollars are being spent," she said.

Missouri has an open primary, she said, meaning voters do not have to register their party affiliation and may take a ballot for any party's primary.

"People are usually surprised by this, and they do not want to choose a party ballot when they get to the polls," Clark Summers said. Voters also have the option of requesting a noncontested, or nonpartisan, ballot that contains only issues and questions.

Voters will need to present one form of identification. Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

If a voter has moved to a different address within the county, the address can be changed on election day at the polling location. It is recommended, however, that any changes to addresses be made before election day to prevent confusion over the correct polling place. To update an address, contact the clerk's office at 243-3547.

Voters wanting to see a sample ballot can also contact the clerk's office or visit the secretary of state's website at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

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