Voter turnout likely to be lower in November

While November elections typically draw more voters than those held in other months, local election officials don't expect to see a high turnout Nov. 4.

In the 2012 November election, Cape Girardeau County had the highest turnout percentage in Southeast Missouri, with 67 percent of the county's voters casting ballots.

Perry County came in second with 64 percent, followed by Bollinger County with 63 and Scott County with 62.

State turnout that year was 65.7 percent -- strong, but not as high as predicted and not as high as 2008 numbers, which hit nearly 70 percent.

But 2012 was a presidential election year, which all but guarantees a strong showing, said Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers. Because of that, she said it's more appropriate to base expectations for this year on the 2010 election turnout.

That year, 53 percent of Cape Girardeau County and 52 percent of Perry County voters went to the polls. Scott County saw considerably lower numbers, with 43 percent voter turnout.

"[The 2012 election] had a big turnout, which was exciting," Clark Summers said. "It was a busy day, it was a good day, but I don't think we'll see near that turnout now. But we probably will when the next presidential election comes around."

When voters head to the polls in about a month, they will be asked to consider four constitutional amendments that cover issues such as teacher tenure and early voting. In Southeast Missouri, voters also will decide among five candidates running for the 8th Congressional District seat.

Those who feel strongly about certain issues or candidates will be more inclined to vote, Clark Summers said. But without that interest, many choose not to participate on Election Day.

"Whatever that issue is for that person or whatever that candidate means to that person ... it just kind of depends on what directly is impacting that person," she said. "Or maybe they're with an organization that the question's going to impact or maybe it's a cost to them. People don't tend to get engaged until it's something that directly impacts them."

When she speaks to groups and organizations about voting and elections, Clark Summers said she often discusses April elections. They typically experience the lowest turnout in the county, she said, but winners in those elections often have the biggest effect because they're joining school boards and city governments.

"Those people can make an impact on your life right here locally, but people just don't seem to get engaged unless it's something that's being talked about heavily in the media or something that they're passionate about ..." she said.

In the most recent April election, only 14 percent of Cape Girardeau County's registered voters cast ballots. Perry County had 21 percent of registered voters going to the polls, while Scott County led the area with 25 percent.

Clark Summers said she tries to be optimistic about voter turnout each year, but ultimately it's up to the voter to become educated on the issues and candidates and then show up to the polls. For those who wish to cast ballots, they have plenty of options for registration. The paperwork can be filled out in the county clerk's office, or it can be sent to the person via fax or email. The Missouri Secretary of State's office also offers online registration on its website.

Registration must be completed by Oct. 8 to vote.

Clark Summers encourages voters to register or make any changes -- such as a new address -- as soon as possible to ensure they are prepared for Election Day and show up at the correct voting location. She also reminds Missouri voters who move to another county to change their registration.

College students and nursing-home residents can register at their permanent addresses or current locations, although a person cannot be registered in more than one area. Clark Summers said the county has experienced issues in the past with college students turning up to vote in Cape Girardeau County while they were registered in another county. The county also has a problem with students registering and leaving the area.

"A lot of people come in and register and then they move in a couple of years and ... they don't notify us, so we can't take them off our rolls until they register somewhere else or if they haven't voted in two federal elections," she said.

Voters also can fill out absentee ballots. For voters who will be out of town on Election Day or unable to make it to the polling place, absentee voting begins six weeks before the election.

Ballots are available on the Missouri secretary of state's website and at the county clerk's office. Mailed or faxed absentee ballot requests must be received by the county clerk's office no later than 5 p.m. the Wednesday before an election. Voters casting absentee ballots in person may do so in the county clerk's office until 5 p.m. the night before an election.

Many people may not realize they can cast an absentee ballot, said Clark Summers, so she encourages voters to keep that in mind.

"Absentee ballots don't take that long. It's really pretty fast, and we're open through the lunch hour," she said.

She also encourages registered voters to sign up to be poll workers. Those interested may call the county clerk's office at 243-3547 or fill out a form at the secretary of state's website at sos.mo.gov/pollworker/signup.asp.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641