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SALT LAKE CITY -- It is Election Day, but there is no presidential race, no governor's and no race for Congress. In fact, the few mayor races and city council races around the state are not as exciting for many voters.
In Salt Lake City, Mayor Ralph Becker is running for reelection, but is heavily favored to win. At his campaign office, workers are on the phone, urging supporters to vote, saying they're not taking anything for granted.
"We've been out walking three times a week, sometimes four," said Michael Iverson, deputy field director of the Becker campaign. "Ralph's been going out with us, door-to- door, meeting voters. It's been good."
At a polling place on Capitol Hill it is quiet, and by 2 p.m. Tuesday, less than 80 voters had shown up in a district of 2500 voters.
Absent from this year's election are the hot council races and ballot measures.
"It's either a big issue with candidates or a big issue with the neighborhood," said poll manager Polly Hart. Asked if voters are apathetic toward off-year elections, Hart said, "absolutely."
Well, I just think it's unfortunate when people don't take that opportunity to voice their feelings.
–Delores Simons
"Well, I just think it's unfortunate when people don't take that opportunity to voice their feelings," said voter Delores Simons.
"I think people seem to be somewhat dissatisfied with the way things are going and the apathy is very concerning," said poll worker Jana Allart. "And so people need to understand that every vote does count."
The people who volunteer to make elections work note the irony that people around the world without the right to vote die to get it, while Americans are less inclined to turn out to vote in smaller elections.
"I just think it should impress us with how important voting really is," Allart added. "It's something that we do take for granted, but some people pay a big price just for the opportunity."
Although voter turnout is low in polling places, election officials said mail-in ballots are very strong this year.
Next year, however, election night will be another story, with a governor's race, a Senate race, races for four congressional seats and a presidential race. Turnout in the 2012 election is expected to be high.
Email: jdaley@ksl.com
