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California's earliest presidential primary ever could boost local turnout to as much as 75 percent - ranking near the county's highest tally, a Nevada County election official said Monday.
A projected 70 to 75 percent turnout of county voters could cast ballots in today's primary, said Susan German, assistant county clerk-recorder.
With nominations for both major parties still undecided, German and state election officials anticipate voters could cast ballots in higher numbers than previous primaries.
Mostly sunny skies and a high of 50 are predicted, so the weather isn't expected to deter voters, either.
In the past California held its presidential primary in March. By then the major parties' nominees had been decided, with the bulk of states already holding their elections, election officials said.
"The primary being earlier definitely could be a reason for the higher turnout," German said.
Twenty-four states are holding presidential primaries or caucuses as part of what is dubbed Super Tuesday.
In the March 2004 presidential primary, 60 percent of registered Nevada County voters headed to the polls.
In California the race is considered more wide open, German said. The rising number of voters registering as independents is creating more uncertainty.
"This is the first time since 1952 that an incumbent president or vice president has not been on the ballot," said Nicole Winger, a spokeswoman for the California Secretary of State's office.
Secretary of State Debra Bowen isn't making turnout predictions but is expecting a high turnout because of California's early primary, Winger said.
Predicting increasing absentee numbers is easier for state and county officials.
A projected 60 percent of Nevada County's presidential primary ballots could be cast absentee, German said. The percentage has more than doubled in the past 10 years with counties granting voters permanent absentee status, she said.
In November 2006, 42 percent of state voters cast absentee ballots."We've seen that number go up with every election," she said.
Some in other states holding presidential primaries today might wish they voted absentee with snowy weather in the Midwest and severe storms predicted for the south.
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To contact Staff Writer Greg Moberly, e-mail gmoberly@the union.com or call 477-4234.
Cast your vote
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters should check the back of their voter information pamphlet to find their polling place. For more information, visit: http://www.mynevadacounty.com/ elections/index.cfm?ccs=1374
A projected 70 to 75 percent turnout of county voters could cast ballots in today's primary, said Susan German, assistant county clerk-recorder.
With nominations for both major parties still undecided, German and state election officials anticipate voters could cast ballots in higher numbers than previous primaries.
Mostly sunny skies and a high of 50 are predicted, so the weather isn't expected to deter voters, either.
In the past California held its presidential primary in March. By then the major parties' nominees had been decided, with the bulk of states already holding their elections, election officials said.
"The primary being earlier definitely could be a reason for the higher turnout," German said.
Twenty-four states are holding presidential primaries or caucuses as part of what is dubbed Super Tuesday.
In the March 2004 presidential primary, 60 percent of registered Nevada County voters headed to the polls.
In California the race is considered more wide open, German said. The rising number of voters registering as independents is creating more uncertainty.
"This is the first time since 1952 that an incumbent president or vice president has not been on the ballot," said Nicole Winger, a spokeswoman for the California Secretary of State's office.
Secretary of State Debra Bowen isn't making turnout predictions but is expecting a high turnout because of California's early primary, Winger said.
Predicting increasing absentee numbers is easier for state and county officials.
A projected 60 percent of Nevada County's presidential primary ballots could be cast absentee, German said. The percentage has more than doubled in the past 10 years with counties granting voters permanent absentee status, she said.
In November 2006, 42 percent of state voters cast absentee ballots."We've seen that number go up with every election," she said.
Some in other states holding presidential primaries today might wish they voted absentee with snowy weather in the Midwest and severe storms predicted for the south.
ooo
To contact Staff Writer Greg Moberly, e-mail gmoberly@the union.com or call 477-4234.
Cast your vote
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters should check the back of their voter information pamphlet to find their polling place. For more information, visit: http://www.mynevadacounty.com/ elections/index.cfm?ccs=1374
