Battling Voter Apathy in Local Elections

Memphis, Tn - Everywhere you turn in Shelby County, there is someone or some sign telling you who to vote for in the upcoming local election.

But, as Shelby County has grown over the years, the voter turnout has dwindled. Larry Moore, a professor at the University of Memphis says this election could be the most important in years.

Everything from County Mayor, County Sheriff, clerks and judges will be decided on August 5th. It’s also the primary for Governor and State Legislators.

"They'll determine how your taxes are collected, they will determine what kind of lines you'll see when you get your auto inspection. It will determine justice in the court system," says Moore.

But, in the May primary, the Shelby County Election Commission reported a ten percent voter turnout. That’s compared to about a sixty-seven percent turnout for the presidential election in 2008

"Of course there's the glamour with the presidential because unconsciously people see the president as the king, or the emperor."

But, a few days into early voting, the Election Commission says the turnout is heavier than elections with similar offices up for a vote.

With so many open positions, it can also scare and apathetic voter from the polls

"There's some people who do the homework. But most people would rather go home and watch wrestling than watch the issues on the local elections," added Moore.