City predicting 10 percent turnout in one-man election — too high?
ST. LOUIS — The city Board of Election says it is bracing for a 10 percent turnout in today’s election.
Though is even that estimate too high for a contest that is merely a formality?
Officially, voters in about half of the city will chose a replacement for former state Sen. Jeff Smith, who left office in August after pleading guilty to federal conspiracy charges.
However, city voters looking for a choice will have to wait until next year. An independent candidate failed to submit enough signatures to gain ballot access, and a Constitution Party candidate was ruled ineligible. The city GOP did not even volunteer a candidate.
That leaves one name — Democrat Joe Keaveny — on the ballot to replace Smith. And, unlike county voters who will decide a pair of ballot questions, city voters have no other issues to draw them to the polls today.
The one thing that might create a bump in poll traffic in St. Louis? City voters who may, mistakenly, believe that they, too, are voting on a smoking ban.
It’s easy to see why — aldermen did pass smoke free legislation last month, but it will only go into effect if county voters approve a similiar law today.
In other words, city voters — no matter how many actually show up to the polls — will be mostly spectators today.
Yeah…only one candidate.
Because an independent failed to submit enough signatures. And, a Constitution Party candidate was ruled ineligible?
Let’s see…who made the laws to say how many signatures a citizen candidate needed?
Who made the decision on the Constitution Party candidate…
Could it be…perhaps?…the Democratic and Republican elected officials, who had already decided they would agree on a candidate?
I think this article is irresponsible in glossing over the fact that there is oppression in this race. It was such well-orchestrated oppression, it happened before any voters even got in the polling booth.
Demand fairer ballot access!
Keep the Democrats and Republican on their toes by supporting third parties, and paying attention when the status quo government and media leave third parties out!
http://www.ballot-access.org
Hope this faker and Slay-puppet Keaveny enjoys his one year feeling important. He is going to be embarrassingly crushed by angry voters in 2010.
The ballot reminded me of old Communist style 1 party 1 candidate election. You got to pick from a list of name. The state of our republic is in sad shape.
Neither political party offers much to me in the way of good common sense, so the party goes on.
Congrats to our new Senator. Govern well sir.
John Zinn
St. Louis