Typically low turnout expected for elections

Monday, June 2, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

People flock to holiday shopping sales, U2 rock concerts and UNLV basketball games but they treat municipal elections like a visit to the dentist.

City clerks anticipate pitiful turnout for Tuesday's general elections in municipalities throughout Clark County.

Las Vegas City Clerk Roni Ronemus said she's doubtful turnout will exceed the poor 12.6 percent showing the city produced for its May 6 primary. Henderson City Clerk Susan Robison, whose city produced a 19.6 percent turnout for its primary, also isn't expecting much better.

"Traditionally we have low voter turnout for municipal elections, and I do not know why," Robison said. "I do not understand it."

North Las Vegas City Clerk Eileen Sevigny is predicting a slightly more respectable 27 percent turnout for a city that attracted 23.8 percent in the primary.

"Voter interest is just not there," Sevigny said. "We can't make it easier for people to vote. We have early voting and mail-request ballots. In this valley the interest just isn't there, and I do not know what to do. I wish I could say 50 percent because I'd be thrilled with it."

North Las Vegas expects higher turnout than other cities because voters have more races to determine. City Councilman Theron Goynes and Mike Montandon are doing battle to replace Mayor James Seastrand. Former Municipal Judge Gary Davis is attempting to regain his seat in a battle with Warren Van Landschoot. Three council seats also are up for grabs.

Ward 4 voters in Las Vegas will choose between Councilman Matthew Callister and challenger Larry Brown. The only citywide race involves Department 5 Municipal Judge Gregory Barlow vs. Cedric Kerns.

Voters in Henderson can decide between Councilman Jack Clark and David Kallas in a race that features two Metro Police officers. City residents also will be asked to approve a $20 million bond to build a performing arts center.

Boulder City voters also will be choosing two city councilmen from a field of four candidates.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election results will be available on the Internet starting about 7:30 p.m. They will be updated roughly every 20 minutes, according to the Clark County Election Department.

The Internet address is http://www.co.clark.nv.us/ccnv/election/results.htm.