By: Chuck Coughlin
If candidates did not put up yard signs, voter turnout would go down.
Signs are an annoying, but helpful way of reminding us that it is time to vote. From a campaign perspective, signs are an inexpensive way to encourage participation and serve as a visual cue that reminds voters that Election Day is approaching.
Approximately 56 to 60 percent of registered voters are expected to turn out for this November's General Election. Unfortunately, only 26 to 28 percent of registered voters are anticipated to turnout for the primary.
A majority of candidate campaigns will be determined by the August 26th primary. There are 17 legislative districts with Republican voting majorities and 13 districts with Democratic voting majorities. The State Senate has 17 Republicans and 13 Democrats. Primaries matter.
More than 820,000 voters receive ballots at home but do not cast them during the primaries. Earlier this year, we surveyed many of these voters. While 81 percent claimed they voted in all elections, 100 percent of them did not.
In fact, 49 percent admitted they didn’t know when the primary was, and only 5 percent correctly named August as election month.
Yes, signs are annoying, but so are some of the incredibly stupid things we hear candidates say. But, if you live in a democracy and you expect it to work, seeing sign pollution for three months every two years and listening to candidates are small prices to pay.
Remember to vote on Aug. 26. Your vote makes a difference.