Turnout exceeding expectations at city Democratic caucus

By Brian Wheeler

Charlottesville Tomorrow

Saturday, May 9, 2009

The Charlottesville Democrats have passed the midway point on the Saturday afternoon of their first “unassembled caucus” at Burley Middle School on Rose Hill Drive.  Voter turnout has surpassed the expectations of many observers and candidates. The caucus will nominate candidates for the November general election in the races for Charlottesville City Council and City Sheriff.  There were lines early in the day and a steady stream of voters through mid-afternoon.

Lloyd Snook, Chair of the caucus, said that at 12:00 in the afternoon there had been 445 voters, in addition to the 144 absentee ballots. The 589 total voters thus far already surpasses the June 2007 totals when Charlottesville Democrats had 426 voters cast ballots in an “assembled caucus” at Charlottesville High School.

The polls are open until 7:00 PM this evening and Charlottesville Tomorrow will share additional news and interviews later this evening.