Registration deadline looms – who will vote?

The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania's May primary is Monday, April 20. The primary election is not likely to generate a high turnout. That could mean some important races in Philadelphia will be decided by relatively few voters.

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The government watch-dog group Committee of Seventy wants everyone to know the last day to register to vote is Monday. But the organization's director Zack Stalberg says he doesn't expect a high turnout come May 19. Stalberg says after the heightened interest of the 2008 presidential race, most voters won't view the primary as important.

As a result, he says, just a handful of voters could determine the election.

Stalberg: It's a game of getting your supporters to the polls. So, what the ward leaders think will begin to play a big part again. When its a low interest race, its all about getting people who might like you to the polls.

Across the state, many judges are up for re-election. Registered Democrats in Philadelphia will be choosing from a large pool of candidates for both City Controller and District Attorney. I'm Susan Phillips, WHYY news.

Voter registration applications must be postmarked by Monday. More information, including where to pick up registration applications, can be found at votespa.com.