Elections Officials Hoping Predictions Of Low Voter Turnout Are Proven Wrong

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Elections officials aren't expecting a large turnout for Tuesday's midterm elections, but they're holding out hope for a surge.

The Sacramento County elections vote-counting machine is already in full swing. Registrar Jill LaVine is excited about the early-voting ballots.

But many political experts aren't counting on much. Tuesday's election will likely draw out less than half of California's eligible voters.

"Traditionally there is low voter turnout in the midterm elections," said political analyst Steve Swatt.

He says there's nothing on the ballot to entice voters to the booths this year.

"Here in California you have a very lackluster campaign all around," he said. "You don't have a competitive race for Governor. There's no really competitive race in the down ticket items. You don't have really any ballot measures that grab voters and bring them in."

Presidential elections usually get the attention of voters, but LaVine is still holding out hope to see plenty of people voting on Tuesday.

"It's not as exciting for voters but there are so many important things on this ballot," she said.

She's hoping for a 59 percent voter turnout.