Election Day is a week away and so far turnout appears dismal.
Only about 13 percent of voters, or 4,310 people, had turned in ballots by Monday afternoon, said La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Lee Parker.
“It’s been really quiet,” she said.
During nonpresidential elections the county tends to see a lower turnout, she said.
In 2013, about 37 percent of active and inactive voters participated.
It is possible the county will see a similar turnout to 2013 because many people tend to wait until the Election Day to turn in their ballot, she said.
During some elections, Parker’s office will see 15 percent of the electorate on the last day. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and all ballots must be received by 7 p.m.
This year, voters are weighing in on several tax questions and other local issues. A countywide property tax question for roads and bridges, a bond issue for the Durango sewer plant, and school board candidates are all on the ballot.
For those who haven’t cast their vote, Tuesday, October 27 is the last day to mail in a ballot during the election.
Starting Wednesday, voters will need to drop off their ballots in person to make sure they will be counted and not be delayed by the mail, Parker said. Postmarks do not count.
The county has set up several drop-off locations, some with Saturday hours to give more people the chance to drop off their ballots.
Voters who have not received a ballot can register to vote through Election Day at the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, 98 Everett St., Suite C, or the Bayfield motor vehicle office at 1199 Bayfield Parkway.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
To vote
All mail ballots are due by 7 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 3.
The following locations will have 24-hour drop boxes, and they will also have staff present from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday: the Clerk and Recorder’s Office in Durango, Bayfield Town Hall and the La Plata County Administration Building.
Ignacio Town Hall will accept ballots from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
All locations will have extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, to accept ballots.
For more information, call 382-6296 or visit http://co.laplata.co.us.
