Irving's voter turnout exceptionally high for May 14 election

Irving's recent city election on May 14 was notable for two reasons.

First, our mayoral race was arguably the most high profile in the area, second only to Dallas's. Last fall, a local television reporter launched an investigation into the finances and costs of the proposed Entertainment Center. From that point on, the glare of the spotlight never dimmed. When the candidates for mayor were finalized,  Mayor Herbert Gears, former mayor Joe Putnam, and former Council members Beth Van Duyne and Tom Spink each took to their corners to argue the pros and cons of the project. Interested parties--both individuals and PACs--poured unprecedented sums of money into the campaigns. Campaign contributions have already reached $400,000 to $500,000. And the runoff between Gears and Van Duyne is still five weeks away on June 18!

Few city elections involve issues as controversial and divisive as the Entertainment Center. Most elections are pretty much off the radar for all but the most involved members of the community.

Voter turnout
The second reason this election was so noteworthy stems directly from the first. Voter turnout was about twice what it normally is for a city election. Overall, city turnout was 13 percent. In Districts 3 and 5,which both had Council races, turnout was 10 percent and 15 percent respectively. The lowest turnout in the city was north of LBJ Freeway, the Valley Ranch area, where turnout was a paltry 7 percent.

Why are local elections important?
Although these numbers are higher than average for a city election, it is not democracy at its best when so few voices decide. Voter turnout in presidential and gubernatorial elections is typically much higher, presumably because voters believe the higher level elections are more important but that is a false belief.

Decisions made by local elected officials can have a more direct effect on our daily lives than those made by the president or governor. The mayor and City Council, either directly or through their appointed boards and commissions, are responsible for the new library, roads, public safety, whether a new family restaurant opens on your corner, and parks and recreation programs. These are just a few of the amenities and maintenance of infrastructure decided by local government.

If my neighborhood experiences a sudden increase in crime, nobody in Austin or Washington, D.C. will beef up police protection. That falls to City Hall.