Day at the Polls: People More Riled About National Elections

Many believe that the reason for low voter turnout Tuesday stems from a belief that the local elections are not as important as the national ones that get more coverage.

"The mayoral position is part time, so I think a lot of people believe it is not as important," said resident Hugh Gallagher, voting at the . "If there was a gubernatorial race, that would be getting more coverage."

But the local elections, Gallagher said, are more about who you know, rather than the politics of the township.

"People are just not as knowledgeable about local government," he said, adding that he normally votes Democratic, but opted to vote for Republican Dan Hayes for mayor this year. "There are other important things in their lives, but sooner or later something triggers an interest."

Oftentimes, Gallagher said, he believes people do not get involved in local government until there is something to be upset about.

"They get into politics if they are angry," he said.

But that does not mean things shouldn't change, Gallagher said, because the local politics are what touch people personally.

"We look at local because of services, which are more than with the state," he said. "You can approach your mayor, but once you move to Trenton, it's about lobbyists."

Resident Rhonda Freedman also said people are not as excited about local politics as they usually get about the national debates. Instead, she said, they only get involved when it is about money.

"People only care when it's about their pockets," she said. "People are concerned with how their money is being spent."

And for that reason especially, Freedman said, they should probably care about a mayoral race.

"This is the person who writes the budget," she said. "We want property values to stay for when we sell our houses."

Still, Freedman said, she believes turnout will not be better until 2012 with the next presidential race.

"When it is a smaller election like this, there aren't people coming," she said.

Independent candidate for mayor George Jones agreed that the turnout has been low, although not as low as was expected.

"The turnout is slightly higher," he said. "This is the first time there is a three-person mayoral election, and I think that's sparked interest. I think people are coming out because we are electing a new mayor, and that is driving traffic."

"I have heard a lot of feedback that it is about time we got an independent candidate," he added.

As for the legislator votes, Jones said, he believes people are just treating this as a new district, and many might be voting just on party lines.

"I think it is strongly Republican," he said. "I don't see anyone just coming out for the 23rd district. It's lackluster."

And weather might have something to do with people heading out to the polls, Jones said, although he does believe that if people want to vote, they will make time for it.

"The weather is something everyone is talking about, and this is one of the best days we've had," he said. "But generally people don't change direction, they either go to vote or they forget."

For residents Rick and Susan Hollender, voting is something they just do every year, regardless of what kind of election it is.

"The polls are open long hours, and it is up to the individual person to make time to go," Rick Hollender said. "We come out in every election because it is important as part of our responsiblity in town."

"We have two boys, so we tell them it's part of the responsibility to vote," Susan Hollender added. "It is your responsibility as a citizen."

And for Gallagher, one of his main goals of voting was to put his say in regarding the referendum to allow gambling on certain sporting events in Atlantic City. He said he is always voting against gambling in any way he can.

"Atlantic City has a great beach, and I think it is wrong to have gambling," he said. "Gambling has spread over the years, but I think we should put the focus on making Atlantic City like Sea Girt or other premiere places."