Just average.
That’s how Secretary of State Mark Ritchie described the anticipated turnout in Minnesota’s primary elections Tuesday. How sad that a state that prides itself on being politically active and has fostered some of the great political minds of the century would see just average turnout in an election.
Ritchie estimated turnout would range between 10 percent and 15 percent statewide. That’s just 10-15 percent of the people eligible to vote in the state. What were the other 85-90 percent of state’s eligible voters doing that was more important than helping to narrow the field of candidates who will seek our votes in November?
But among the best things about our election system is that voters get another chance to weigh in on which candidates they believe will best represent them. The Nov. 11 general election will determine a number of important local, state and federal races. We urge all of Koochiching’s eligible voters to get registered before the Nov. 11 general election so they may take part in one of the most precious and valuable rights afforded to U.S. citizens.
Clearly, registering to vote has never been easier. Voters can register at the polls, or they may contact the Koochiching County Auditor’s Office or the Secretary of State’s Office. A vast amount of information available about voting and the upcoming elections can be found on several Web sites, including those sponsored by The Daily Journal, the auditor’s office and the Secretary of State’s Office. And for those not computer savvy, the same information can be obtained from those sources in paper format.
The primary election is just the first step in the process. The Nov. 11 election will be culmination of months, if not years, of preparations by political parties and candidates.
Minnesota ought to strive to make voter turnout in the general election not just average, but extraordinary.