Virginia's 2009 primary election is now history and the filing deadline for local candidate names on November ballots is, too.
Only about 6% of the nearly 5.1 million registered voters showed up. In Montgomery County, this was a Democrats only slate (in other counties, there were certain Republican contests).
It remains incongruent that Americans typically get all fired up about presidential elections, yet often seem complacent about state races. On a local level, voters often seem oblivious about election dates and candidates.
This attitude is like thinking the weather in Washington, DC is more likely to affect you than what's happening outside your window right here in the NRV. Local elections have commonly received single-digit percents for voter turn out.
Other than an occasional special interest issue, where a storm of citizens show up to support or oppose a vote, Montgomery County residents generally seem content to remain unaware of public business and government processes.
That's like seeing a thunderstorm whipping outside, and being content to watch it -- until our own basement floods or roof leaks, stirring individuals to action. The flood or leak may be real, or seen as an analogy to single issue contingencies.
While some find comfort in thinking voter complacency equates to "customer satisfaction" it is more likely linked to a fatalist attitude (they'll do whatever they want regardless of what I think), or lack of choice in choosing from amongst a strong slate of candidates.
Three Montgomery County Board of Supervisors seats will be on the ballot, yet the incumbents will have no challengers -- even though these are "party" seats, the Dems put forth no candidates of their own for two seats, and the GOP likewise ignored this race. Sure, someone could have run as an Independent, but that takes a lot of work to get the required number of voter signatures on a petition -- and then you'll suddenly face party opposition. Those taking office will come on board with a newly hired County Administrator.
Voter signatures on a petition to have one's name on the ballot are required for School Board seats, as these officers are nonpartisan. Of the three terms set to expire, only one race is present. Members representing District A and C can be determined by just the candidate's casting a ballot for themselves. District D's race includes an incumbent who supported teaching creationism facing off against a dismissed school principal. Those elected will come on board with a newly hired Superintendent.
Does this mean that, for the most part, Montgomery County residents are satisfied to be represented through default or that those who serve are doing a "heck of a job" just by getting their name on the ballot?
Then there are the local choices for voters of the Two 'Burgs. More on that in the next post.
Correction: School Board District A will have a race, as incumbent Phyllis Albritton is being challenged by George Still, III.
Update: Montgomery County School Board District C will have no candidate name on the ballot. The incumbent is not running again, and word on this became public very late in the process. One person filed paperwork just making the deadline, but the necessary 125 signatures of registered voters was missed. This seat will now be decided by casting write-in ballots.