SPOKANE, Wash. – Have you felt election fatigue?
A Pew research study conducted in May found that 62% of Americans felt ‘worn out’ by the presidential race.
Now, a few months later, voters are left to decide many other races in their local elections. Spokane County elections officials said this years ballot is unusually big, with several open races and candidates running.
Multiple voters in Spokane said they don’t know where to begin when looking at the voter pamphlet this election year.
For the last several years, all counties have been required have voter pamphlets. Although it is a great tool, many are not using it. One voter from Oregon told 4 News Now that she thinks people don’t vote because the pamphlet is unclear, and that it’s size can be daunting.
City officials said voting in these primary elections is crucial.
“If voters don’t vote in the primary, they are letting someone else decide who they are going to see on the general election ballot,” sad Vicky Dalton, Spokane County auditor.
As of Monday, just around 20% of voters, both statewide and in Spokane county, had mailed in their ballot. Although these numbers are expected to see a significant shift on Tuesday, Dalton said she understands that voter fatigue is real.
“What we encourage voters is to look at what is important to you. Vote on those, and if you do not want to vote on the other races, that it okay.” said Dalton.
Ballot returns are even lower for younger voters. A voter in Coeur d’Alene said he think’s the reason is a lack of interest.
“People do not understand the impact local elections have.” said Alexander Gardner. “If they had been told more growing up, I feel like we would see more people voting.”
The purpose of the primary election is to narrow down the candidates to only two for the general election, which will be on November 5th.
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