The general election of a non-presidential year is never the biggest draw to the polls. This year contained several contested state races, but only one county contest and most local races focused on school boards with the exception of a few historic races in Fishers.
Hamilton County Election Administrator Kathy Richardson said Hamilton County has 209,088 registered voters and 57,455 ballots were cast in the general election – a voter turnout of 27.48 percent, an increase from May’s dismal primary election with 12.1 percent. Four years ago, the county had 81,796 of its 182,345 registered voters cast ballots for a general election turnout of 45 percent.
“Am I happy with 27 percent? No, but it’s better than 12 percent,” said Richardson. “People were thinking we wouldn’t get over 20 percent.”
Richardson said the closest race to compare this year to is the general election of 2002, when secretary of state was at the top of the ticket. Twelve years ago, the county only had 130,652 voters but had a turnout of 35 percent.
“There were very few TV ads to make people think about the election cycle (this year),” Richardson said.
Despite the turnout, Nov. 4’s election had a different feel than May’s primary.
“As the workers were coming through they said it was steady all day,” she said. “Most assumed there would be lulls during their day. Most felt it had been a good day and gone well.”
Fall Creek 37, which had a 57.8 percent voter turnout in May, again posted the best percentage of voters with 61.2 percent. Delaware 2 had the lowest turnout with 12.9 percent.
Randy Reitzer, inspector of South Westfield 1and 2 and Westfield 24 precincts, said his three precincts had a steady stream of voters all day.
“It’s been considerably better turnout (than the primary). People have been getting in and out real quick,” he said.
Reitzer said an off-year general election is typically 21 to 22 percent turnout. His precincts had 27.4 percent to 33.7 percent turnout.
“It’s really been encouraging,” he said. “It’s much more exciting than what the primary was.”
Precincts throughout Westfield experienced consistent patrons as the city’s turnout was 27.3 percent. Jack Hart, inspector of East Westfield 1, said his precinct had a turnout of 28.7 percent.
“We had rushes at odd times – 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.,” Hart said. “I think everyone was trying to get here when no one else would be here.”
Hart said the flow was encouraging, especially given the 7.7 percent voter turnout in Westfield during May’s primary election.
“I try to forget that one. It makes you almost never want to work the polls again,” he said.
Despite an early series of mishaps which included Hart cutting his hand on the outdoor polling sign and an electronic printer failure, East Westfield 1 had a smooth day of voting.
“It was pretty normal,” said Eugene Hunton, Democrat judge. “People who are going to vote voted. If we had nicer weather it might have brought out a few more voters. The problem is too many people think it doesn’t matter. Voting is really important.”
