Early voting turnout ‘much lower’ in Jackson-Madison Co. primary

JACKSON, Tenn. — Voters have two days left to early vote in the Madison County primary.

“Turnout’s been a little low this time,” Madison County Administrator of Elections Kim Buckley said.

Voting booths sat empty Tuesday at the Madison County Agricultural Complex. Buckley said turnout for the Madison County primary is down so far. “It’s much lower than the primary that we had, the same type, four years ago,” she said.

Early voting started nearly two weeks ago. There are two days left.

As of Monday, Buckley said just over 1,400 people had cast ballots. Records show that is less than half the number who voted early in a similar primary four years ago.

“We had a rare vacancy in circuit court judge, and so there was a lot of money being spent,” Buckley said. “I think that makes a big difference sometimes in turnout.”

Most candidates are running unopposed in the primary, but 25 Madison County Commission seats are up for grabs. Four of those are contested races in the primary.

Five incumbents on the county commission are running unopposed in the primary but will have opponents in the general election.

Diane Melton voted early Tuesday. “I think we all have an opinion in this election, and we need to go out and serve our opinions,” she said.

Buckley said low voter turnout can lead to less decisive victories.

“When you have opposition on the ballot and not many people voting, there tends to be closer elections,” Buckley said.

To win a race in Madison County, Buckley said the candidate needs a simple majority of 50 percent plus one.

Voters can still cast ballots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Madison County Agricultural Complex on North Parkway. The primary election is Tuesday, May 1.