As Special Election Nears, Voter Apathy Rises

Low turnout expected in Lial's special senate election

CLOTHEN, LIAL--With Lial's special Senate election only three days away, the two main candidates are gearing up for a hard-fought finish. But while the candidates are expected to be out in full force Tuesday, the voters aren't.

Lial Secretary of State Alan Dillon is predicting between 28-32% voter turnout, in a state that is typically very civically engaged. Turnout is expected to be low for several reasons, Dillon said.

"There are many factors, including the timing of the election and just a lack of interest," Dillon said.

He also noted inclement weather may keep some voters from making it to the polls.

The apathy among voters is especially disappointing for Dillon, who was hoping an historic election would spur voters to participate.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people are simply disconnected from politics right now and more focused on other things," Dillon said.

The race is pitting Conservative state senator John Dearling against Nationalist Henry Mickeravi. The race is historic because if Mickeravi wins, he will become the first Israeli-born senator in Grassadellan history. Mickeravi was born in Jerusalem and lived there until age 21, when he moved to England to attend Oxford University. He later lived in the United States, working briefly with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton, who is now the U.S. Secretary of State. Mickeravi has lived in Grassadella for the past 20 years.

Dearling is no stranger to politics in Lial. He has served as a state senator for one term, and previously ran for the Senate in 2008, narrowly losing to fellow Conservative Libby Marshall. Before launching his campaign for the special Senate election, Dearling was running for lieutenant governor. However, when the Senate seat opened up, he switched races. Mr. Dearling has vowed to resume his campaign for lieutentant governor if he loses the special Senate election.

The seat both men are seeking to fill was vacated after incumbent Juslana Thompson (NAT) was appointed Ambassador to Japan by President Menuhaeo. Under state law, a special election must be held if the senator who vacated the seat has more than two years left in their term. Thompson was re-elected in 2008, prompting a state-wide special election. Both Dearling and Mickeravi were chosen by their respective state party committees to represent their parties in the special election.

Throughout the campaign, which began in late December, both candidates have squared off on taxes and the economy. Mickeravi has stated his support for the economic stimulus package and for higher taxes on wealthy individuals and couples, while Dearling has stated his opposition to such measures. The race has been fairly civil throughout its duration, although last week, both candidates engaged in political, and in some cases, personal attacks. Mickeravi accused Dearling of being controlled by the radical members of his party, and Dearling attempted to tie Mickeravi to the "dirty politics of Monvaille," referring to the historic reputation of political corruption in the state's largest city.

Polls show voters aren't very familiar with either candidate, as neither one has wide name recognition. However, most polls have shown Mickeravi with the edge going into Tuesday's election.