Low Michigan turnout blamed on little interest, ballot confusion

[alp227]

John Wisely and Dawson Bell, Detroit Free Press

Turnout in today’s presidential primary election looks to be about the same or less than it was four years ago, according to a sampling of clerks in key precincts the Free Press is using to analyze the vote.

“The absentee voter ballot requests are pretty much the same as last time,” said Farmington Hills City Clerk Pam Smith. “We’re right on par with that and we’re planning for that kind of turnout.”

Smith said there were no reported problems at precincts this morning and she expected to get updates later in the day on how many people voted in person.

full: http://www.freep.com/article/20120228/NEWS15/120228029/Low-voter-turnout-so-far-in-Michigan-blamed-on-little-interest-in-primary-ballot-confusion

[bluestateguy]

1. Who would benefit from low turnout?

I'd like to think Sanitarium as he probably has the more devoted voters, but who knows.

[jimlup]

5. Santorum... because it means Romney's "home" support is weak

[sarcasmo]

2. Just about everyone I talked to was not voting, and I live

in west Michigan which is a big time Republican area.

[aquart]

3. And let's not forget the nausea. Don't discount that factor.

[WestSeattle2]

9. LOL! Indeed.

[Turbineguy]

4. Low turn out?

With all those fine candidates to choose from?

[Arugula Latte]

8. Maybe that's the problem.

The candidates are just so, so bitchin' awesome that they can't pick just one!

Yes, I'm sure that's it.

[JHB]

6. The Pachyderm Stomach Pox strikes!

The stomach itself doesn't mind how far right it twists, but the rest of the beast doesn't fare so well.

[Drunken Irishman]

7. LOL! Even with Michigan playing a vital role in a very contested race, they still have low turnout.

[KalicoKitty]

10. I voted

I live in southwestern Michigan. The voting turnout was low. I was one of those mischevious voters that crossed over and voted for Santorum. Of course, I don't like him at all, but don't want romney to take Michigan!
I don't know why there was any confusion with the ballot, except you had to check which party ballot you wanted. That will not affect future voting in November.

[izquierdista]

12. Be careful what you wish for

Repubs LOVE low turnout. They are always trying some trick to get LESS people to turn out and vote, and now they are onto a sure thing. If they keep Thurston Howell III and the Church Lady in front of the voters, NO ONE is going to show up and vote!

[calimary]

13. That's pretty damn funny, izquierdista!

"If they keep Thurston Howell III and the Church Lady in front of the voters..."

LOVE it! And that's about the size of it, too.