WASHINGTON COUNTY - The political signs have sprouted up throughout Washington County. That happens this time of year. But it is a little more prevalent here as 23 people are fighting for a chair at the board of supervisors table. Washington County Auditor Bill Fredrick has never seen such a crowded race. The names can scroll by like the credits of a summer Hollywood blockbuster. And those signs sit in yards hoping to attract one more voter. But the auditor says picking one of the 23 candidates isn't the issue. It is getting people to the polls. Fredrick said, "When they did the redistricting they totally changed. They re-precincted the county. We've gone from 13 precincts to 10 precincts."

Many people will have new polling places for the first time. The new boundaries come from the county's decision to change from three at-large supervisors, to five from distinct districts. The good news for Fredrick and his staff is that Tuesday is a primary election, not the November general election. He said, “The turnout tomorrow, we're not expecting the turnout we'll have in November."

Tuesday will be an important practice run for November's general election. Voters can only choose a candidate living in their district. So the county is printing up five different ballots. When five supervisors take over, they will all make the same as the three supervisors do now: about $50,000 including benefits.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com