Voter Turnout Reveals Apathy In Wildomar

Just 18 percent of Wildomar residents over the age of 18 made their voices heard about the city’s parks Tuesday night.

As the numbers were tabulated by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Election Night,

The initiative asked Wildomar voters whether they were willing to incur an annual special tax of $28 to fund the city’s three parks.

According to the latest census data, 20,574 people living in Wildomar are over 18 years of age. Yet the Riverside County Registrar of Voters tabulations showed that, as of late Tuesday night, 2,070 voters cast a yes ballot for Measure D, while 1,674 cast a no vote.

The initiative required a two-thirds vote in order to pass. So with 55.29 percent in favor and 44.71 against, the Measure failed.

The numbers were disappointing to Yes On D organizers who spent countless hours on the campaign. According to Wildomar resident Kristan Lloyd, who worked alongside her husband, John, on the Wildomar Blue Ribbon Parks Advisory Committee, there were more than 80 volunteers going door-to-door, sending out emails, calling residents, and campaigning throughout the city.

“Ninety percent of people we (volunteers) talked to said they wanted the parks and were going to get out and vote,” said John, who chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee. “But you never know if they really will.”

Although the Wildomar numbers aren’t expected to change much -- if at all -- countywide there are still approximately 1,016 vote-by-mail ballots and 300 provisional ballots that need to be processed, according to the Registrar. Final numbers are expected this evening.