You Said It: Why Was Budget Referendum Voter Turnout Low? [VIDEO]

The May budget referendum had the in Avon history at 9.97 percent.

The $78.72 million budget passed with 789 in favor and 404 against it.

Why was the turnout so low?

That was a question that the Avon Democratic Town Committee discussed at a meeting in early June.

Some thought it was because of apathy and the sense that there was nothing major at stake. Others thought that the lack of a "cut list" to show voters what specific programs and services might be reduced under the budget distanced voters from seeing a purpose in voting. Another suggested that people feel their vote is devalued because the finance board often reduces the initial proposed budget, not giving people the opportunity to vote the initial recommended budget.

Registrar Laura Hunt (R) told Patch during the May 16 referendum that she thought the low voter turnout was because of people's confidence in the school board operating budget  Superintendent Gary Mala presented and the fact that the proposed 2012-13 budget wasn't seemingly controversial.

Why do you think voter turnout was low? Was it because of apathy, confidence that it would pass regardless or out of defiance that it was too low? Is there anything you would change about the budget process that would make you more likely to vote?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments and have a discussion with your neighbors.