Tulsa Voter Turnout Light But Above Record Lows

It was Election Day in the City of Tulsa on Tuesday with most of the City Council, and the form of government itself on the ballot. However, without anything else on the ballot, voter turnout was expected to be low.

The polls closed at 7 p.m. The Tulsa County Election Board reports that turnout was light - but was expected to be above historical lows for a city only election.

Two of the city council races were decided in the primary. The seven other seats were determined tonight - and only one of those is an incumbent, so a big change of government has already happened.

Also on the ballot were two plans to change the underlying form of government - one that would diminish the power of the mayor - the other would dilute the power of individual city councilors - both promoted as a way to have everyone get along at City Hall.

The rainy conditions may have dampened voters' enthusiasm as well.

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Workers at one precinct at 17th and Harvard said they have had a steady turnout most of the day, with 342 ballots cast by 5 p.m. 

The city council elections in 2004 and 2008, according to Bryant, had low turnouts of just 7 percent. When the Mayor was on the ballot in 2006, there was a 38 percent turnout. For a special election in 2005, there was a 19 percent turnout. 

There are just over 200 precincts in Tulsa, and 200,000 registered voters.