Voter turnout on Wednesday was already at a high 10 percent n and climbing n in this year's citywide primary election, according to the Missoula County Elections Office.
"That's good news," said Vickie Zeier, Missoula County Clerk and Recorder.
This year is the first the Elections Office holds citywide voting by mail-ballot only. The idea was to boost turnout, and it's working.
More than one week before the primary, voters are casting mail ballots in greater numbers than they have cast traditional ballots at the polls before during similar races. That's primary races that don't include a run for mayor.
In 1995, the last time a primary was held during a non-mayoral race, turnout was at a meager 5.57 percent, according to Elections Office data. It was as low as 3.89 percent two decades ago.
Folks, that's a beautiful thing. Already 10 percent and climbing for a non-mayoral municipal primary. Remember, increased voter participation is a good. That means more people are engaged with government. That, too, is a good thing.
