Early Voting Begins in Multiple U.S. Counties Amid Low Turnout Expectations

Early voting is currently underway or beginning soon in various U.S. local elections, including a recall election in Jackson County, Missouri, and general and special elections in Ohio, California, and Louisiana. Jackson County voters are deciding whether to recall County Executive Frank White, Jr. amid frustrations over increased property taxes and a failed stadium tax vote, with turnout reported as low. Carroll County, Ohio, has started early voting for a Nov. 4 general election for local council and board positions, with absentee ballots being mailed and curbside voting available. California is preparing to mail ballots for a special election on Proposition 50. In Louisiana's Baton Rouge area, early voting is underway for an October 11 election, including a contested judicial seat and several tax renewals, with political analysts predicting low turnout typical of off-cycle elections and emphasizing the importance of judicial competence. Voter turnout and engagement concerns are common themes across these elections, with some voters expressing worries about tax increases and the implications of election outcomes on local governance and services.