Voting in St. Petersburg’s primary election already is outpacing the 2009 primary – the last time that there was a mayor’s race.
According to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, 17 percent of registered voters – or 27,409 people – had cast absentee ballots by Friday, Aug. 23.
That’s nearly 7 points higher than the same reporting period in the 2009 primary, when there was an overall voter turnout of 23 percent for the election.
But it is not the slate of mayoral candidates – led by incumbent Bill Foster, Kathleen Ford and Rick Kriseman – piquing interest in the primary.
A referendum item that could stop the $50 million “Lens” project for redeveloping the city pier is expected to bring people out in greater numbers.
Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m.
“With the Lens item you are going to get a better turnout,” said St. Petersburg City Clerk Eva Andujar.
Although opponents of the Lens are projected to win the vote, concerns have been raised about the clarity of the ballot wording.
A “no” vote actually means “yes” for keeping the Lens project.
A “yes” vote would halt the project.
On election night, the Build the Pier (pro-Lens) group will have its watch party from 6-10 p.m. at the Birchwood’s Rooftop Canopy Lounge at 340 Beach Dr.
The Concerned Citizens of St. Petersburg (anti-Lens) will start its election watch party at 7 p.m. at Orange Blossom Catering, 220 4th St. North.
The anti-Lens group is not saying when it’s party will end, perhaps an indication of confidence going into Tuesday’s election.
