Low Turnout at the Polls in the Woodlands

By Sharon Aron Baron

Broward County may have had its most disappointing turnout for a primary ever, with only a 10% turnout this year.

Out of 1,098,969 registered voters, only 117,449 voted on August 14.

The Woodlands, unfortunately, fared better than the county, with 16% of all registered voters participating.   Our community, Precinct J-016, has 1,447 registered voters, but only 237 residents voted.    Only 135 people came to the polls to cast their vote on one election day, and 102 either voted absentee or early.

During the 2010 primaries, the Woodlands fared better with 22% voting.  Broward County was also up, with 14% of all registered voters showing up.

Of course, primary elections notoriously don’t have a general election turnout.   But our numbers went down significantly this year. Is it because residents are on vacation?  Maybe they don’t know the candidates well.  Or perhaps people are just complacent.

Whatever the reason, let’s hope that our precinct votes on November 6, as they did in 2008, where 77% cast their ballot.    In Broward County, 73% of all registered voters participated, and more than 130 million people turned out to vote across the country.

Here are all the Broward County election results:  Broward County Supervisor of Elections

Haven’t registered to vote?  You can still vote in the General election in November if you get your voter registration card by October 9, 2012.  Here’s how: Register to Vote.  Remember that by registering as an Independent, you cannot vote for partisan races in the primaries.