Pondering The November Turnout...

The Norman Transcript ~ If the political pundits are correct, the turnout for the General Election a month from today will be something less than pitiful.

The state's election board secretary predicted a lower turnout than four years ago when more than a million voters turned out. This year, for the Primary Election in July, only 24 percent of those registered bothered to vote. In the August Runoff Election, only 17 percent showed up at their polling site.

There are several reasons for the lack of interest, according to some who have weighed in on the matter: The salacious e-mail scandal involving former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley has sickened some voters. The lingering war in Iraq, too, may suppress voter turnout.

Some fear outrage on the federal issues may trickle down to the states. Oklahoma's governor, lieutenant governor and other statewide offices are up for grabs and candidates fear voters will stay home.

But it could work the other way around. Voters could send a message of frustration and concern by turning out in droves.

Those not registered still have a chance. Voters can still register by Oct. 13 at local election boards, tag agencies and Department of Human Services offices.

They can also download forms from the state Election Board's Web site, www.ok.gov/-election/. Voters can register by mail by sending in a copy of their identification. First-time voters who registered by mail will be asked to show their identification the first time they vote.

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