LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Early voting for this year\u2019s cities and schools election reached an all-time low compared to May elections dating back to 2006.<\/p>\n
In eight days, only 7,800 voters went to the polls.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell like I said, 2014 was the last time we have seen numbers this low,\u201d said elections administrator Roxzine Stinson.<\/p>\n
This year, 10 cities and schools across Lubbock County have items on the ballot, from city council and school board races to a bond election.<\/p>\n
Possible reasons for low turnout<\/p>\n
Stinson said low early voter turnout may have been due to a state holiday, but she does not have a definitive answer. She said every single vote makes a difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to tell you, every vote matters, I have seen too many of these elections that are close and they have been decided by two or three votes, some have been decided by a thousand or more, but every voter matters,\u201d Stinson said.<\/p>\n
Multiple voting locations available<\/p>\n
Stinson said voting is easier than ever within the county, with multiple voting locations. All voters need is to be registered and have a photo ID.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can go anywhere in town to vote, so any of the 35 locations that are open Saturday, any of them around the county and there are only 10 entities having an election, we have a little over 12,000 voters that don\u2019t have ballots because their school district or city is not having an election, but it is very accessible, because you can go to any of those 35 locations to vote,\u201d Stinson said.<\/p>\n
Impact on local government<\/p>\n
Having an election also costs the city and school entity money. Stinson said local elections often have the biggest impact on everyday life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen your city and school elections, that is your local government, and they do set your tax rates and so that is how I kind of look at it,\u201d Stinson said. \u201cThey make the decisions for your cities and your roads and things, and you do need to get out and vote for those folks.\u201d<\/p>\n
With election day coming up Saturday, May 2nd, Stinson encourages all voters to go and cast their ballot.<\/p>\n