Interest high in general election

San Juan County residents are expected to turn out in record numbers on Tuesday, November 4 for the 2008 general election.

The top of the ballot in San Juan County in 2008 features the presidential race between republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama.

The focus of those interested in the presidential race will be on a handful of swing states where it is expected a small majority of voters will swing the race for the election of the new president of the United States.

There are no contested local elections, with unopposed incumbents in several races and a single candidate for the new county surveyor position.

In the United States House of Representatives, Democrat incumbent Jim Matheson is facing a challenge by Republican opponent Bill Dew.

Brad King and David Hinkins seek the Utah Senate seat left open with the retirement of longtime Senator Mike Dmitrich.

Jerry Anderson and Christine Watkins seek the Representative seat which was abandoned by Brad King as he sought Dmitrich’s senate seat.

Democrat Incumbent Brad King is unopposed for the Utah House of Representatives.

Five local judges face judicial retention elections, including Lyle R. Anderson, Scott Johansen and Mary Manley.

Monticello voters will decide if the city will initiate a .4 percent sales tax to fund recreation and transportation.

The twenty precincts in San Juan County will include six precincts that will vote entirely by absentee ballot, including Cedar Point, Ucola, La Sal, Spanish Valley, Halls Crossing and White Mesa.

San Juan County Clerk Norman Johnson reports that there has been significant interest in the General Elections. Johnson said his office had sent out 193 absentee ballots and 270 local voters have voted early.