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Ann Arbor's Turnout Of Voters Is Heavy

Ann Arbor's Turnout Of Voters Is Heavy image
Parent Issue
Day
5
Month
April
Year
1971
Copyright
Copyright Protected
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Donated by the Ann Arbor News. © The Ann Arbor News.
OCR Text

Ann Arbor voters_attraeted by a heat-B ed mayoral race and a clear, sunshinyB day, were turning out at the polls in heavy numbers this morning, according to preliminary figures provided by the city clerk's office. As of 11 a.m. today, more than 6,236 voters - or approximately 15 per cent of Ann Arbor's 42,787 registered voters - had already cast ballots within four hours after the polls opened. It is estimated that about 540 other persons had also voted by 11 a.m., as three precincts' reports were missing from the returns. Even the 6,236 figure, however, is more than in the last mayoral election two years ago. When incumbent mayor I Robert J. Harris won the office in 1969, I . 4,302 voters had gone to the polls by 11 I a.m. In last April's city council election, I some 3,800 voters had cast their ballots I by 11 a.m. Based on the incomplete morning I turnout figures, the Third Ward led with I 1,567 votes cast, despite the fact that it I was in this ward where one precinct had I not yet reported its total. The Fifth Ward was next with 1,488 votes cast, followed by the Fourth Ward with 1,465; the First Ward with 922 (minus two precincts not yet reported); and I the Second Ward with 794. Such a substantial early turnout is in keeping with City Clerk Harold Saunders' prediction of better than a 55 per cent total turnout for this election. Voters are deciding whether to retain Democratie Mayor Harris for a second term or whether to elect Republican challenger Jack J. Garris in his place. Also on the ballot are five City Council contests. In the first ward, Republican Edward Rutka opposes Democrat Norris Thomas, while in the Second Ward, Democrat Robert Faber seeks I tion against a challenge from I can Don Robinson. In the Third Ward, Democrat Nelson I Meade vies with Republican Peter I Wright for a council seat, and I can Richard Hadier goes against I crat Gilbert Lee in the Fourth Ward. Democrat Donald Warren and I i Ucan John McCormick are opponents in I I the Fifth Ward. I A $3.5 million parks and recreation I I bond issue is also on the ballot. I Polls close at 8 p.m. today. All 1 I sons in line to vote at that hour will bel I permitted to do so. I (over for another picture)