DC mayoral candidates must overcome voter apathy

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Nov. 4, District of Columbia residents will elect the seventh mayor in the city’s history. At least, a few of them will.

The candidates for the city’s highest office will have to confront not just each other but widespread voter apathy as they seek to lead a local government that’s been tainted by corruption.

Just 27 percent of registered Democrats voted in the April Democratic primary. D.C. Councilmember Muriel Bowser defeated scandal-plagued Mayor Vincent Gray in the primary and now faces two independents and two minor-party candidates in the general election.

Veteran local pollster Ron Faucheux (foh-SHAY) says the election is coming down to a “personality contest” between Bowser and her top challenger, Councilmember David Catania. He says that’s not enough to drive people to the polls.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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