By Don Heinzman

ECM Editorial Contributor 

All signs are pointing to a record turnout of registered voters in November.

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie’s slogan is “80 percent in 08.”  

In 1956 with the campaign of Adlai Stevenson and Dwight Eisenhower, 82 percent of registered voters went to the polls.  That record still stands.

During the last presidential election in 2004, 77 percent of registered voters cast ballots.

Now, Ritchie is predicting that three million of nearly 4 million eligible voters will vote in November.

One major difference between 1956 election and 2008, is the voting age now is three years younger.  That’s significant because election analysts see that more young people than ever are getting involved at all levels in this election.

More new people showed up at precinct caucuses and conventions.  More new and young people are registering to vote.

The turnout at the precinct caucuses in Minnesota was big, with twice as many Republicans and four times as many Democrats participating.  

High profile U.S. Senate and Congressional races along with 100 school levy elections will attract voters.

An unprecedented presidential race between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama already has gripped the country and is the big draw.

The hard-fought Democratic primary, the hunger for change, the deep concerns over the economy and the opposition to the war is fueling this atmosphere.

Across the country the story is the same: Look for a huge turnout.

County auditors see a big wave of voters and they intend to order an oversupply of ballots.  More election judges than ever are being hired.

Ritchie says changes in the law will streamline the process on election day.  In the 2004 election there were 600,000 same-day voter registrations, with three-fourths caused by the need to change permanent addresses.  The law allows for the U. S. Post Office to forward permanent changes of address to a voter data base where address changes will be processed automatically. This should speed up the voting.

Another change will enable more armed forces members and civilians overseas to vote, because the county auditors are able to e-mail ballots upon request to be completed and mailed back.  Before, only regular mail was used.

There’s a move under way to provide special transportation to the disabled.

All this interest is good for the country that is a government of by and for the people.  Over half the people did not vote in the last election.

Resolve to get involved in the campaigning, to register early to vote, learn where you vote, and vote early on election day.  Be a part of what promises to be a record voter turnout in Minnesota.

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