OPINION | Clay County primary election turnout was appallingly low

The 2024 Primary Election Day started with little fanfare and fizzled out with barely more than 18% turnout. In this election, slightly more than 28,000 Clay County voters (out of the 150,000+ registered voters) took the opportunity to cast a ballot. That means 122,000+ voters (81+%) deemed that this election was not worthy of their attention. Approximately 28,000 voters decided the representation for everything from U.S. Senate to local School Board.

This is appalling, especially given the availability of 45 days of no-excuse vote by mail, 10 days (100 hours) of early voting at seven locations throughout our county, and culminating with 12 hours of election day availability at each of the 45 polling locations. It’s never been easier to cast a ballot, yet a majority of voters don’t participate in elections.

The Clay County Elections Office hires approximately 460 election workers at a cost of nearly $240,000 in payroll alone, a cost that does not include necessary election materials, postage, equipment, and other personnel, which easily adds another $100,000 to $150,000. But the most staggering fact is that the price tag is not dependent on voter turnout. The $340,000-$390,000 is spent whether turnout is 18% or 99%.

Elections have consequences, and consequences have repercussions. Voting is not a spectator sport. As the General Election approaches, I implore you to get involved and invest in yourself, your county and your country.

No matter the turnout, the Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office remains dedicated to keeping voters informed. Clay County deserves better, you deserve better, our children and grandchildren deserve better and our future depends on it. We can do better, Clay County; we MUST do better as Clay County voters!

General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Before that, voters will have the opportunity to either vote by mail or vote early.

If you live in Clay County, you can visit www.ClayElections.gov to find out more, including how to register to vote, how to request a mail ballot, and the dates and times of early voting.

This November, make sure to exercise your most important right, the right to vote, and have your voice heard.

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