As the calendar gets ready to turn to April, county focuses on Primary Election

Mar. 27—With the calendar turning over to April very soon, the county is turning their focus to the Primary Election.

Monday, April 22 is the last day to register to vote for the Primary Election if you aren't registered to vote. Madison County Clerk Kenny Barger said that the primary likely won't see a big turnout, but the general election will more than likely draw people out.

He also emphasized the importance of being well-educated voter.

"There's other things on ballot besides the presidential election and people need to know that," he said.

Last election for a gubernatorial election, the county had 74,413 registered voters but only 27,207 voted, only 36.56% of the registered voter total. The gubernatorial years of 2015, 2019, and 2023 stand out as among the least participated years.

That voter number is down massively from the 60.53% voter turnout in 2020 which saw over 44,000 cast votes.

The number in off years has hovered around the lower end of the 30,000 range, based on numbers found on the Madison County Clerk's website. In 2014, only 27,155 voted, in 2018 and 2022, numbers crossed the 30,000 mark with 2018 being 34,493.

"It's hard to explain to people why it's important if they have no basis and background in the structure of our government," Barger said.

Barger emphasized that you (the individual) are the customer. Not only should you be educated but feel free to take your time.

One of the things Barger continued to reiterate is the importance of understanding how Civics works at each level from city and county all the way up to the federal level.

Primary Day is May 21, those working elections are paid.