First weekend of early voting sees low turnout

Voter turnout for municipal elections tends toward the dismally low, and this year so far has been no exception.

Only a tiny fraction of Clark County's registered voters took advantage of the first weekend of early voting for the primary elections. Just 2,884 people cast votes since the start of early voting, which was Saturday in most municipalities.

'Tis a snoozeworthy kickoff at best, but it is marginally better than the last time.

In 2007, a mere 2,815 voters turned out for the first week of early voting.

The cities enjoying higher early turnout this year, including Henderson and North Las Vegas, credit higher-profile races and increased voter registration during the 2008 elections for the increase.

"We are way ahead of last time," said Anita Sheldon, acting assistant city clerk in North Las Vegas.

In 2007, only 363 people in the city voted the first week of early voting, compared to 1,071 this year, when the city is electing a mayor, two City Council members and a judge.

In Las Vegas, only 420 people took advantage of early voting over the weekend, about a third of the number who voted during that time period in 2007, when a mayoral seat was up for grabs. This year the city is electing two City Council members and a judge.

And in Henderson -- which also is electing a mayor, a City Council member and a judge -- 891 people cast their votes compared to 800 in 2007.

"We've got election workers anxiously waiting for voters to show up," said Monica Simmons, Henderson city clerk.

Early voting continues through April 3. The primary election is April 7.

Contact reporter Lynnette Curtis at lcurtis@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0285.