County clerk hoping for higher local election turnout
By Chris Fortune
A local election official is hoping to see more voters head to the polls for Tuesday’s municipal election than in years past.
Buchanan County saw 12.6% participation in the April 2023 election, according to the county election summary report. Like this year, it also included school board members. County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey said she expects a lower turnout again this year.
“It’s probably going to be light, unfortunately,” she said. “It seems to be the case with every local election. I’m predicting, and I hope we hit 15%.”
But participation significantly increases during presidential elections. The November 2020 Buchanan County election summary report showed over 69% of registered voters casting a ballot. Baack-Garvey said participating in local elections is also important.
“I’ve always said, let’s start local,” she said. “Let’s get your local people elected into office that are going to represent our schools, our city, our fire districts, et cetera.”
Election judges, or poll workers, will be available to help check in registered voters on April 2.
“We have those dedicated folks that sign up every year and want to help out, and they’re wonderful people,” she said. “If it wasn’t for them, our elections will not go on.”
Absentee voting is still open for anyone who can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday. The deadline for absentee voting in person at the office of the county clerk at 411 Jules St., Room 121, is Monday at 5 p.m. They are also open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
“It’s no excuse (absentee),” she said. “So anybody can come in any time before election day and vote and get it done early.”
Voters will see the following ballot measures for the April 2 general municipal election:
St. Joseph voters will decide seven different city charter propositions, including staggered city council terms.
St. Joseph voters will choose school board candidates for three open seats.
A St. Joseph Board of Education $20 million bond issue to make several improvements at local schools in the district.
A Rolling Hills Library proposal to eliminate the sunset portion of its overall tax levy and reset its operating levy to $0.28 from $0.31 per $100 assessed valuation.
To locate a voting precinct and view a sample ballot, go to the Buchanan County Clerk’s Office website.
