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Municipal elections aren't known for high voter turnout -- this year is an exception in Salt Lake. Pollster Dan Jones says voter turnout today in the city was well above average. Jones says Republicans stayed home for the most part, but Democrats were energized and visited the polls in force.
Salt Lake Mayor Race: Based on Dan Jones' exit polling, KSL-TV projects Rocky Anderson will win a second term as Salt Lake City mayor, defeating challenger Frank Pignanelli.
Hard numbers are slow to come in, but with 27% of precincts reporting Anderson leads the race with 52% of the vote to Pignanelli's 48%. Just two days ago... polls showed the race too close to call.
Mayor Rocky Anderson, Reaction: “Well, it looks really good, but I know it’s not over until it’s over. But it’s certainly better than being in the other direction. We’re thrilled.”
Frank Pignanelli, Reaction: “It’s still a long night to go. We still feel very good about our campaign. It’s an exit poll, it’s a very close race, a lot can happen so we’re going to hear it throughout the evening, see when the results come in.”
KSL TV projects that Proposition One will pass. Proposition One, which would authorize up to 10-million 200-thousand dollars to renovate and improve facilties at the Hogle Zoo. The margin is 73 percent for and 27 percent against it.
Proposition Two would authorize bonds up to 10-million 200-thousand dollars to establish a science, art and cultural center called The Leonardo Center at the site of the former Main Library. KSL projects that Proposition Two will pass at a rate of 66 percent for it and 34 percent against it. Proposition Three would authorize up to 5-million 400-thousand dollars in bonds to build two new branch libraries, one in Glendale and the other in the Capitol Hill area. This one is too close to call.
Proposition Four would authorize bonds up to 5-million, 400-thousand dollars to help purchase and preserve open spaces. KSL projects that Proposition Four will pass by a margin of 77 for and 23 percent against it.
Proposition Five would authorize bonds up to 15-million 300-thousand dollars to build a regional sports, recreation and education complex. KSL projects that Proposition Five will pass by a margin of 55 percent for it and 45 percent against it.
Proposition Six would authorize bonds up to one million 100-thousand dollars to make improvements at Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park. KSL projects that Proposition Six will pass by a margin of 77 percent for and 23 percent agsinst.
Though morning snowfall may have discouraged some voters, by the time people were getting off work, the numbers had picked up.
Election official Nick Floros is Salt Lake County's chief deputy clerk. Floros says expects turnout to be 46 percent.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
