Voters Ho-Hum About Tucson Primary Election

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Tucsonans voted in small numbers in the city's primary election Tuesday, largely because the ballot included no contested races.

The ballot covered primary races for three City Council seats, and only residents of those wards, Nos. 3, 5 and 6, were eligible to vote. All three Democratic incumbents were unopposed for the primary as were the Republicans in two wards.

The election was by mail. The City Clerk's website reported that at day's end Monday, 12,444 ballots had come in, about 17.4 percent of the eligible electorate. Figures for the numbers turned in by mid-afternoon Tuesday were unavailable.

Although no race was contested, the city was required by state law to conduct the election.

The general election should attract more interest, because two races will be contested, and the ballot will include two and possibly three propositions.

In Ward 3, covering the city's north side and part of midtown, incumbent Democrat Karin Uhlich and Republican Ben Buehler-Garcia will face off. Uhlich won her second term in 2009, defeating Buehler-Garcia by 175 votes or 0.2 percent.

In Ward 5, incumbent Democrat Richard Fimbres and Republican Mike Polak will compete to represent the city's South Side.

In Ward 6, incumbent Democrat Steve Kozachik will be unopposed in the general election, assured of election to a second term. Kozachik, who switched parties last year, dropping his Republican affiliation, represents a ward that covers the eastern part of downtown and much of midtown.

See full information on city elections - the candidates and the issues - at the AZPM City of Tucson Elections website.