7.9 percent of registered voters turn out Tuesday

The polls stayed open, and for the most part empty, for the duration of the 2007 Bloomington primary elections Tuesday. \nThe lack of contested positions in city government led to poor attendance at the voting stations, said Jim McGillivray, the inspector assigned to the Monroe County Courthouse. Democratic candidate Isabel Piedmont campaigned for Bloomington City Council District Five, one of the few challenged positions. She spent most of her morning greeting the few early risers that voted at various locations in her district. The late campaigning paid off as Piedmont was later declared the victor in her race.\nPiedmont said little interest is usually drawn to primary elections, especially those held in odd years like 2007. Even-numbered years generate more excitement due to the contention over Congressional seats every two years and presidential elections every four years. Odd-numbered years are only for municipal elections. Piedmont said it is unfortunate residents do not pay more attention to local elections because the city government can make the biggest impact in their homes. \nPoll inspector Glenn Collins said he expected a small turnout due to the nature of the primary elections. For most of the morning and afternoon, people trickled into Collins’ location at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers Rd. He said the previous year there had seen an increase in voters toward the end of the day, but nothing tremendous. \n“There is a very large lapse in time between people,” Collins said. “I would consider it very good to see 10 people in 30 minutes.” \nThe contested races on Tuesday consisted of the mayoral nominations between Republicans Jamie Lober and David Sabbagh, while the 3rd, 5th and 6th Districts saw City Council positions challenged. City Clerk Regina Moore (D), and Democratic City Common Council members Tim Mayer, Andy Ruff and Susan J. Sandberg ran unopposed. \nChaim Julian was stationed at IU’s Assembly Hall as the inspector for the 13th, 25th, 30th and 32nd precincts. The total number of registered voters residing in those four precincts equates close to 1,500. By 4 p.m., Julian’s location had seen only three people cast their votes, on top of the 12 absentee ballots he received. Julian said many candidates did not campaign because they lacked an opponent. This led to little self-promotion and excitement around the races, which resulted in minimal turnout at the polls, Julian said. \nAt the end of the day, the Elections Board, located at the Monroe County Clerk’s Office, 301 N. College Ave, reported 7. 9 percent of registered voters in the Bloomington area made it to the polls to cast their vote.