“It is true that there have been an avalanche of TV and radio commercials for months, blanket news coverage for the past year, and heavy spending by the campaigns. But the thing that drives turnout is whether you have compelling races and ballot measures that people care about. We have that this year, big time. “The presidential race has been front and center, and our open governor’s race has been highly competitive from the very opening bell. Unusually, we have four wide-open statewide offices (governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and auditor) and three open congressional seats (1st, 6th and new 10th). The two parties are fighting a ferocious battle for control of the Legislature. Local communities have some terrific races and measures, and we are electing our judges. “And our ballot measures seem custom-made for driving up turnout this year. We are voting on same-sex marriage, decriminalizing marijuana, authorizing charter schools, and deciding whether to require two-thirds supermajorities to pass taxes in Olympia.”Counties started mailing out ballots on Wednesday and must complete the mailings by Friday. Return ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 6. Ballot dropboxes are open until 8 p.m. on Election night. Help is available for voters with handicaps. Reed said he doesn’t expect the turnout – ballot return, really – to match or exceed the record levels set in 2008, 84.6 percent. The state and nation were “really revved up” that year, with the open presidential race generating the most excitement in a generation, he said. This year, despite a long list of attractive races and issues, the state is coming off a weaker-than expected primary turnout (38.5 percent) and there has been talk of an “enthusiasm gap” in some quarters, he said. Balancing those factors with all of the incentives for a great turnout, Reed said he’s still thinking turnout will be better than usual.
