Editorial: Low turnout casts pall over election

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.

Republican Chip Maxfield's landslide win over Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone was the most stunning victory from Tuesday's primary election in Clark County. Meanwhile, the most intriguing Democratic contest was the successful re-election bid of state Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas. Neal, who drew the gaming industry's wrath because of his plan to raise casino taxes, won his race by just six votes out of 4,055 cast.

Also notable -- and distressing -- was that just over 18 percent of Clark County voters cast a ballot. Sure, most primary races don't generate the excitement that general elections do, but Tuesday's showing was an embarrassment. It is hoped that Clark County voters can pry their fingers away from their television remote controls long enough to vote in November's general election: Not only are local and state offices up for grabs, but critical federal races are at stake also, including an open U.S. Senate seat, two House contests and the presidency.

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