Election commissioner predicts 30-percent turnout for primary

Mary Macias has never voted, but she will cast her first ballot in Nebraska's primary today.

"I just felt convicted, because voting is my duty," the 46-year-old said. "I don't think I can say anything -- I can't express my opinion -- if I don't vote."

Voter turnout today is expected to range from 25 percent to at least 30 percent, said Dale Baker, Hall County election commissioner. Past primary elections have experienced similar turnouts: 33 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 2004, Baker said, noting that Hall County usually experiences good turnouts compared to the rest the state.

Voter turnout statewide has been projected to hit 27 percent, said John Gale, secretary of state.

"It's a bit optimistic," he said. "But I stand by it. People care a lot about Nebraska."

Election interest has increased in Central Nebraska, said Matt Connealy, executive director of the Nebraska Democratic Party. He said he has received a lot of calls and seen a lot of participation from the 3rd Congressional District.

"There is a ’mood of change' all across the country, and Nebraska will represent that," Connealy said. "Interest in Grand Island will be just as high as interest in Omaha."

A call to the Nebraska Republican Party was not returned.

Baker said the election commissioner's office tries to make voting as easy as possible by allowing people to vote early by mail or at the county election office.

Applications to vote early are available up to 120 days prior to a primary or general election. Absentee ballots are made available at county offices or by mail 35 days before the election, and the last day to physically cast an early ballot is the Monday before election day.

A network of county clerks, special interest groups, the media, candidates and political parties work to encourage people to vote, Gale said. He said he personally visited high schools with county clerks to register students to vote in the primary.

"I get flyers in the mail at my home every day about voting," he said.

Connealy said the Nebraska Democratic Party started early in the year to generate interest in the primary election.

Baker said she would describe this primary season as slow. Many people are disenchanted after the state's Democratic presidential caucus, she said.

"The caucus put a different spin on things," she said. "People paid attention to the presidential race early on. Now they are sick of hearing about it."

Gale said Nebraska's primary election may have come during a quiet time in the national storm of presidential candidates, allowing an increase in turnout.

Janule Wicz, a 46-year-old janitor at the Grand Island Super Saver, said he had not yet looked at election information, but he planned to do research Monday evening and vote today.

Similarly, Krissy Montgomery said she has not paid attention to the election thus far, but Monday afternoon the 28-year-old was on her way to learn about the issues and candidates from her grandmother, who she said is an avid voter.