By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Average voter turnout is expected for today's general election in Buchanan County, officials say.
The polls are open until 7pm today.
Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack Garvey says she's expecting voter turnout to be right around 25-30%. She says that every municipal election is different.
"It's local, I wish that more people would turn out for these elections because they impact them here locally first," Baack Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But as always your general elections always bring out a larger turnout."
Baack Garvey says the nice weather we are expecting today should bring more people out to vote.
"If you have a beautiful sunny day that's perfect, good weather is what you always want for an election day," Baack Garvey says. "But you know, let's hope the rain holds off as much as it can but, you know just bring an umbrella with you when you go to vote."
There is a slight chance of rain today after 2pm, but skies are expected to be sunny with highs in the upper 60's.
Baack Garvey says she wouldn't call the larger ballot intimidating; she says voters just need to do their homework.
"There's sample ballots on my website," Baack Garvey says. "Just get your homework done, study up on the candidates, that way when they go to the polling place, they have an idea of what they're voting for."
St. Joseph voters will decide the next mayor to succeed Bill McMurray, who decided not to run for re-election. Voters also will choose three at-large city council members as well as decide two city council district races.
Two candidates are running for Municipal Judge to replace John Boeh (BAY), who is retiring after being Municipal Judge since Apil of 2001. Also, voters will choose two members of the St. Joseph School Board.
You can find a link to the Buchanan County Clerk's office to look at sample ballots HERE.