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You probably know from all the TV ads, radio announcements, and billboards that we’re just days away from the August 3rd Primary. But will all that buzz from the campaigns get voters to the polls? KSMU’s Chasity Mayes reports.
This week, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan’s office released its voter turnout prediction for next week’s primary—24 percent of Missouri’s registered voters are expected be at the polls on August 3rd. That prediction is based on local turnout estimates submitted to the Secretary of State’s office by each county. If they’re right, 24 percent will translate into more than one million voters going to the polls in the Show Me State.
“Yeah, I think if we get 28 statewide 25 for Green County might even be a little low.”
That’s Missouri State University Political Science Professor Mark Rushefsky. Even though he notes that Republicans have a big decision to make in the 7th Congressional race, he says it’s actually a ballot measure that will drive voters to the polls. Proposition C deals with the federal healthcare law and would limit the government’s ability to penalize anyone who refuses to buy private health insurance. Rushefsky says it’s possible voters will be worked up and will want to vote on this measure.
“Well, I think one of the unknown factors is Proposition C on the individual mandate. You know that there’s campaign stuff going out, literature that’s going out. I’ve gotten some. And there’s question as to whether that would bring people out and if it does then I think you would expect to get a higher turnout. If people are interested in that,” says Rushefsky.
Greene County is estimated to see 25 percent of its registered voters cast their ballots on August 3rd. While there’s been only some attention given to the US Senate primary race between Republicans Roy Blunt and Chuck Purgason, Rushefsky says the Republican primary for Congress is the main event.
“I think the republican race for seventh district congress is more important. There’s eight republicans running for congress’ seat and three or four of them are pretty competitive,” says Rushefsky.
Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday August 3. Unofficial results will be updated on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website throughout election night. The Greene County Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, July 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for anyone wishing to cast an absentee vote.
We have links to more information, including where you go to cast your vote, a sample ballot, and information on what you should bring with you to the polls. That’s online at KSMU.org
For KSMU News, I'm Chasity Mayes.
