Looking Like Poor Turnout at Brooklyn Primary

Better make sure you have an iron-clad will , people. If the turnout in usually engaged Brooklyn Heights is any indication, Tuesday’s Democratic primary for a judgeship on the Surrogate Court (between Diana Johnson and ShawnDya Simpson) suffered from a low voter turnout. In District 114, set up on Clark Street, only 115 voters had turned out by 8 p.m., one hour before poll closing time.

The Surrogate’s Courts handle wills, adoptions and estates, long considered fair game for Brooklyn attorneys and court-appointed overseers.

As the New York Times points out, the "prize" is one of the least-known elected positions in Brooklyn.

By the way, as the Brooklyn Eagle points out, "This may be the last year you can vote for a judge. A case scheduled for review by the U.S. Supreme Court could change forever the way state court judges are chosen."

Photo by MK Metz