This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on May 13, 2009.
Californians must get a lot of “I voted” stickers … because they do so often.
During Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s time in office, the state has seen numerous ballot initiatives. In fact, the only year the state didn’t have ballot initiatives for voters to decide on was in 2007. The number of state-wide elections isn’t uncommon, but, said political consultant Christopher Crotty, the number of ballot initiatives is.
“California is quite unique,” Crotty said. “We have easy access to state ballot initiatives submitted by a person or a group … The state has a habit of taking any initiatives.”
In addition, voter turnout rates for state-wide elections in comparison to presidential elections are vastly lower, said San Diego State University professor Brian Adams.
“Turnout is very low [for state-wide elections],” Adams said. “Normally only 20 percent or 30 percent of voters will actually vote, which really undermines the legitimacy of it.”
Of course, we wouldn’t be SDNN if we didn’t take a look at the costs of elections. The following are the costs of elections since fiscal year 2001.
– Fiscal Year 2001-2002 (March 2002 primary election): $8.5 million in state costs
– FY 2002-2003 (November 2002 gubernatorial election): $9.9 million in state costs
– FY 2003-2004 (2003 gubernatorial recall and March 2004 primary): $23.4 million in state costs
– FY 2004-2005 (2004 presidential election): $21.6 million in state costs
– FY 2005-2006 (2005 special election, June 2006 primary): $19.9 million in state costs
– FY 2006-2007 (November 2006 gubernatorial election): $15.6 million in state costs
– FY 2007-2008 (February 2008 presidential primary, June 2008 legislative primaries): $21.3 million in state costs
– FY 2008-2009 (November 2008 presidential and May 2009 special election): unknown until after special election
San Diego County Registrar of Voters’ spokesperson Deborah Seiler said the county is normally reimbursed for every election. However, the county did see a cost of $11,801 for the February 2008 primaries.
“Elections costs are pretty small in comparison to the larger budget,” Adams said. “But, it is money being spent.”
Hoa Quach is the political editor for the San Diego News Network.