The Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder’s Office reports that as of the end of the day Thursday, Oct. 28, it had received a total of 3,735 mail ballots for a 23.5 percent return rate. By comparison, in the 2019 Coordinated Election, the county had a 60 percent turnout.
Returns as of Oct. 28 by ballot style:
Buena Vista School district 1,645
Salida School District 957
Ward 1 452 28%
Ward 2 377 23.5%
Ward 3 304 21%
Returns by School District
Buena Vista School District 1,645 23%
Salida School District 2,090 24%
While a number of voters may be experiencing some societal fatigue, given that the country and this county are 20 months into a global pandemic, local elections are important. These are our friends and neighbors running for election to serve the community. If they are willing to serve, we should be willing to vote.
Many of the incumbents have served tirelessly throughout a critical timeframe and by running for election, are showing their dedication to our city and our school districts. Their experience may help guide us as the current public health crisis is not over. Note that the most severe pandemic of the 20th century, the Spanish Influenza started in the spring of 1918, and came in waves. The fourth wave didn’t arrive until the winter of 1920.
Then again, remember that the mayor who refused to listen to the warnings about the shark in the movie Jaws 1 was still the mayor in Jaws 2, making it another example of the importance of local elections.
Ballot processing for today began at 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse. The Vote Center at the Scout Hut will be open until 5:00 p.m. today and is open from 8:00 to 12:00 noon on Saturday, Oct. 30.
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