Time is running out on the Nov. 5 general election, and with several races in close contention this year, all eyes are on the voters.
Recent polls from KGW-TV in Portland showed that the governor’s race between Kevin Mannix and Ted Kulongoski is too close to call, and Measure 25, which would raise the minimum wage to $6.90 per hour, is projected to pass by a razor-thin margin.
According to the secretary of state’s office, about 660,000 ballots had been received statewide as of Friday, representing about 35 percent of registered voters.
In Lane County, 69,171 ballots were received as of Monday morning, placing countywide turnout at 38.1 percent, Lane County Elections official Annette Newingham said.
Newingham said about half of the ballots are usually turned in between Sunday and Election Day, which would push turnout to the anticipated 60 to 65 percent range.
“This is pretty much where we normally are for a non-presidential election,” she said.
University junior Amanda Lorts said she hadn’t turned in her ballot yet but planned to do so.
“I was out of town all weekend, and I’m lazy,” she said.
Sophomore Jacob Voss expressed his displeasure with voters who don’t take the election process seriously. Voss, who has turned in his ballot already, said people should take the time to learn about the issues before voting.
“If they’re not too eager about voting, I don’t think they should,” he said.
“We don’t need votes from people who don’t care.”
The last day to mail ballots was Nov. 1. For ballots to count, they must be dropped off in person by 8 p.m. today.
Democratic candidates Peter DeFazio, Bill Bradbury, Tony Corcoran and Vicki Walker will be at the University today encouraging students to vote. The Democratic Party offers a shuttle from the University to the Lane County Elections Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for students who have misplaced their ballots and need to get replacements.
The Republican Party also arranges transportation to the Elections Office for those who need it, spokesman Bob Avery said. Registered Republicans who need a ride can contact the Republican Party of Lane County at 342-4166.
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