Galvin: Massachusetts ballot questions will help improve turnout

[unhappycamper]

http://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20140913/NEWS/140917979/1994/NEWS

Galvin: Massachusetts ballot questions will help improve turnout

BOSTON — Lackluster turnout in Tuesday’s primary election has political pundits looking toward the November election and wondering what might attract more people to the polls.

The opportunity to settle open races for statewide offices, rather than just narrow the fields of candidates, will boost turnout. But the presence of four ballot questions will also bring more people out.

Voters in November will decide whether to repeal the 2013 gas tax increase tied to inflation (Question 1); add a five-cent bottle redemption deposit to juice, water bottles and sports drinks (Question 2); repeal casino gambling in Massachusetts (Question 3); and guarantee earned paid sick time for workers (Question 4).

Secretary of State William Galvin this week correctly predicted dismal turnout for the primaries. The elections featured many uncontested districts but also multi-candidate Democratic contests in open races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and treasurer.

[merrily]

1. Voters are discouraged. That's very clear. Question is, do the PTB care?

The more you vote, the more the PTB has to care. Voting in Massachusetts is getting easier. Take advantage of that. Vote.