County turnout: 25%
By MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-HeraldJOHNSTOWN - Tuesday's local general elections resulted in a smaller turnout in Fulton County compared to the last local election year in 2007, but a larger turnout in Gloversville, where there was a mayor's race.
There were 31,175 voters registered countywide Tuesday, and unofficial results from the county Board of Elections showed that 7,703 voted, for a 25 percent voter turnout.
The numbers are somewhat skewed because results of voting in four towns - Bleecker, Broadalbin, Northampton and Oppenheim - as well as two districts in the town of Perth aren't available yet due to voter machine impoundment.
According to Board of Elections Deputy Commissioner Linda Madison, "local election years" come every two years, and the last one was 2007. In that year, she said there were 30,256 eligible voters in the county and a 9,134-vote count, which resulted in a 30 percent turnout.
That was 5 percent higher than this year's county count.
In Gloversville, the mayor's race may have sparked more interest. There were 7,523 eligible voters in the city Tuesday, with 2,746 voting, for a 37 percent turnout. In 2007, the local election resulted in 1,990 voting out 6,520 registered, for a 31 percent turnout.
Madison said John Blackmon kept statistics for the Board of Elections Tuesday night and was surprised by the number of people who voted because people may have been wary of new voting machines.
"He said that statistically, it was a normal election year," Madison said.
The 37 percent Gloversville voter turnout this local election year was still lower than the 47 percent voter turnout in Gloversville for the last mayor's race, in which Tim Hughes was elected. In 2005, 2,804 out of 6,004 registered people in Gloversville voted.
Dayton King, who is leading the Gloversville mayor race and is waiting for the counting of absentee ballots, said today the interest may have increased this year with his race.
"I think you also had a couple of other good races," he said, mentioning interest in county races.
King said his campaign made 500 calls to potential voters to get the word out to vote.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.
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uzreason
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11-06-09 8:49 AM
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...and will call Talk of the Town tomorrow morning
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uzreason
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11-06-09 8:49 AM
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I'm sure Jack Kinzie is writing his letter to the editor
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downtownmerchant
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11-06-09 8:35 AM
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instead of fining those who dont vote, maybe give a tax break to those who do!
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mikegville
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11-05-09 9:21 PM
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I voted too... Matter of fact I think all my choices won..
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Adirondackal
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11-05-09 7:56 PM
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The population of Gloversville includes those under 18 and has greatly diminished since the last census 9 years ago. When you do the math, you will see that the mayor elect received 38% of the total votes cast by 37% of our citizens. That means that he was elected by 14% of Gloversville. For the other 86% of us, it's going to be a long four years.
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MadAmerican
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11-05-09 6:18 PM
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THERE'S no SUCH THING AS A HONEST POLITICIAN but I still voted.
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slider
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11-05-09 4:15 PM
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Anyone ever notice that the ones that seem to complain the most are the ones who never vote???
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RWEHVNGFUNYET
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11-05-09 3:43 PM
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I think the apathy gives us the government we get. I look at the quality of public servants we get, and few get my applause. The ridicule they receive means that REAL Public servants never want to get in volved. Think of the business and community leaders. You just do NOT see them running for political office. Not locally, statewide, or nationally, WE get what we deserve through our lack of interest.
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slider
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11-05-09 3:02 PM
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I voted, but I also know lots who did not. Many just feel that no matter who they vote for it will be the same ole business as usual. If some of these politicians did stand up and make a difference, that would go a long way to restore peoples faith in our system.
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hardworkingmom
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11-05-09 1:50 PM
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For once I partially agree with disco. Inducing a fine may be extreme, then you have to hire someone to collect it. Many local residents are very critical of our government. As a voter we should do research and vote accordingly and pray to God the politicians follow through with the campaign promises. Our politicians should be under a magnifying glass, but should be afforded respect as well. I would not like to be under that glass all the time, I give our politicians credit that they do what they do. A little faith and support can create a productive environment. Please start out 2010 on that thought.
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IKnooow
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11-05-09 1:05 PM
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How many people live in gloversville? Why does 7500 registered voters seem low? Aren't there 15,000 people in the city. Does this mean half the population is under 18 or convicted felons?
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rachelrae33
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11-05-09 12:42 PM
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Its pitiful. We deserve the gov't we get.I was proud to take my daughters to vote with me on Tuesday. I try to every time. So far we have voted for two presidents, one senator, and one house representative and various local ballots. I guess other people just aren't proud they have the right to vote. Discobulous I'm with you on the fine part only if there was a way to do it and keep the govt' the*****out.
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Discobulous
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11-05-09 11:23 AM
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I think registered voters should be fined for not voting. And that word 'skewed'....why don't they just put the 'r' back into it where it belongs?
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