Low turnout predicted for Tuesdays Runoff Elections

Local voters will have to choose whether they’ll cast a ballot in state or local elections when checking their ballots in next Tuesday’s primary runoffs.  Voters will be asked if they will vote on the Republican or Democratic ticket, but not both, for the primary runoff elections. At the state level, Republican runoffs for secretary of state, state auditor and public service commissioner are featured on the ballot. However, for voters in Calhoun County interested in the county commission seat runoff, they will only see Democrats on their runoff ticket. For two of the races, public service commissioner and county commissioner, this will be the final stop en route to assuming office with no challenger in the November general election.
In the Democratic primary for Calhoun county commissioner, incumbent Fred Wilson will face off against challenger James Montgomery. Election watchers say that Given the estimated turn out, this election could easily be swayed by a small number of votes.
Carolyn Henderson, a member of the Calhoun County Board of Registrars.said the turnout numbers are expected to be low in Calhoun County, which may sway votes from one side to the other. Bill Armistead, Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said experts predict a 5 to 10 percent turnout.