can someone explain something to me.

[littlewolf]

VA house district 100.
there was a special election recently. (we got the ads on the TV that is how I know.)

Linwood Lewis Jr. held the seat and won in Nov 5 election. he won with 72% of the vote. he left to take Lt. Gov. Northam senate seat.


Willie Randall (D) vs Robert Bloxom (R) I saw lots of anti-bloxom commercials.
never saw anything from the (R), I figured and ez win for the (D)
I mean it is a fairly safe district. the (R) won 60% to 40% for Randall.
how did this happen? was Randall that weak a candidate?
all info appreciated.

[hack89]

1. Voter turnout for special elections is usually much lower than general elections

it depends what side is more motivated to vote - with lower turnout it takes fewer voters on one side or the other to swing the election.

[JayhawkSD]

2. Voter turnout in vote for mayor was 35%

Special election with nothing on the ballot but the mayor's office was 35% of eligible voters. Polling had Alvarez (D) and Faulconer (R) running about even at 47% each, but the vote was a landslide for Falcouner at close to 65% of the vote.

Pollsters were asking the wrong question, "Who do you favor?" Had they asked "Who are you going to vote for?" they would have gotten Alvarez 10%, Falcouner 20%, "none of the above" 70%.