Time to Vote

03 May 06

WASHINGTON, DC - According to Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the nationwide turnout for the primary elections May 2 was lower than anticipated.

In Ohio, State Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell announced today that 23% of his electorates went to the polls. This is significantly below the initial 34% estimate. In fact, according to Blackwell, cities with 5% votes were not uncommon. The City of Saint Bernard, representing 1% of Hamilton County, had only 167 votes cast. The Census Bureau noted in 2000 that the most common reason for not voting is 'lack of time'. On the plus side, Blackwell joked, those who came out made themselves known - each vote was worth nearly 1%.

The United States Naval Observatory Time Service Department announced today that the master clock is running two minutes slow. The Time Service Department used this information in briefing the President this morning. Bush is expected to issue an executive order by week's end allowing for the minutes to be returned on Election day, November 7.

Press Secretary Scott McClellan is expected to entertain questions on this topic during Friday's press briefing.