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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesScaled Down Primary Cuts Costs in Half

Scaled Down Primary Cuts Costs in Half

Sept. 13, 2004 – If your candidate did not win in the primary, look on the bright side: It did not cost that much to elect his opponent.
This primary cost the government $80,000 as compared to the 2000 primary which cost $168,000. "I don't want to pat myself on the back, but we saved a whole lot of money with the scaled back primary," John Abramson, election supervisor, said Monday. He also said the election went smoothly, and his office had received no formal written complaints.
The 2000 senatorial primary was the last election that was similar to Saturday's. Abramson said he did not have the exact figures for that election, but said the turnout Saturday of 7,068 was considerably higher than the turnout four years ago.
The breakdown, as determined from a list of precinct voters supplied by Abramson was 3,648 votes from St. Croix; 3,118 from St. Thomas; and 202 from St. John
What the scaled down election meant for voters was that, instead of the 31 precinct polling places used in 2000, there were just three places on St. Croix, two places on St. Thomas and one place on St. John where voters could cast their ballots. Abramson said only one polling place was originally considered for St. Thomas, but after some concern was expressed, two were opened.

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