Well, after months and months of campaigning, dozens of candidate forums (of which I forced myself to attend only two), and a few mailers and TV ads, it all comes down to today. Houston voters pick the final two who will then immediately begin a one-month campaign to attract the most voters out of what usually is the fewest number of interested voters.
Various predictions have been made, including those made by FODCs (Friends of DosCentavos) Muse, Kuff, and Greg. I tend to agree with the turn-out ranges each have posted, but I predict more toward the low-end–around 215,000. The weather may be just too nice for people to remember to vote.
What is most disappointing are projected Hispanic turnout numbers. Of course, with these dismal predictions, the question is already being asked: ”Why aren’t your people voting?”
I think there are several reasons: Lack of spirited outreach to Latino neighborhoods and especially cultural events during Hispanic Heritage Month (beyond the dies y seis parade); not so acceptable answers to the 287(g) question; a lack of excitement in races in “Hispanic” council districts; and lack of a well-funded at-large, progressive-leaning council candidate, though, At-Large 1′s Rick Rodriguez has done a better job of Hispanic outreach than most, to name a few.
Fortunately, we will have more than one run-off battle in which to participate, so, the candidates will have the opportunity to do something about this.
Mayoral Prediction Percentages:
Parker 31%
Brown 28%
Locke 27%
Morales 12%
Others 2%
