SF Voter Turnout High, But May Not Break Record

SIOUX FALLS, SD - The proposed $115 million events center is bringing out opinions and voters in one of the busiest city elections Sioux Falls has seen in years.

Voter turnout has been steady all day Tuesday with officials saying it could top turnout for some of the most recent mayoral races.

Sioux Falls voters know that the decision they are making is important, and that's why they are showing up at the polls.

"I think it's the subject matter or every coffee group and every social gathering, how we're going to vote on this today. I think that's the reason we've had such a good turnout," Sioux Falls voter Jim Baker said.

The events center issue has been talked about for more than a decade and now that citizens can actually make their voice heard they are taking advantage of it.

"I think it affects a lot of people. I think it affects people of all ages. I think it's just a great situation that's coming at a good time," Sioux Falls voter Carla Beeners said.

"I think a lot of people are going to get out and make their opinion known on this events center which I think is a great thing," interim Sioux Falls City Clerk Sue Roust said.

Sue Roust says the record turnout for a city election is around 45 percent, but at this point she's not predicting that this election will break any records.

"I think it might not quite get there but we're going to have a good turnout. The weather is holding for us and so I think we're very lucky," Roust said.

And while it may not break a record the turnout has shown that Sioux Falls seems to be more interested and engaged in this topic than any of the most recent city elections.

As of noon Tuesday many precincts across the city were seeing 20 to 25 percent voter turnout with seven hours left to vote in the day.

So, that pace is pretty good for a city election considering last year's runoff election for mayor had a total turnout of 35 percent.