As an "off year" election, voting is likely to be sparse today, with some predicting a turnout level as low as 30 percent. According to Buffalo News Political Reporter Bob McCarthy, some local candidates view the low totals as an opportunity.
"Take the Erie County Republicans for this year's election. I think they're looking at a low turnout so they know there won't be this surge of Democratic voters in heavily-Democratic Erie County that comes out in a Presidential election," McCarthy said in his weekly discussion on WBFO's Morning Edition.
"Especially, say in the County Legislature, where the Republicans are looking at a Democratic advantage of six to five, and say, Hey, we might not only be able to make inroads here, but we may take over the majority."
Erie County residents will also be choosing who will serve as Comptroller and Sheriff for the next four years.
"Don't forget we had a vote in the Primary for Sheriff between Bert Dunn and Dick Dobson on the Democratic side that was decided by a mere 700 votes. These get-out-the-vote efforts do make a difference."
One noteworthy development is the presence of state Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, who has chosen to be in Buffalo tonight, instead of New York City.
"I think he sees some possibility for success here in Erie County," McCarthy said.
"He wants to be where the action is, where the good stuff might be. Then, tomorrow morning they're launching a statewide tour, believe it or not, that's targeting Governor Cuomo and Democrats for 2014."
