D-Day for Springfield power plant

Decision day for Springfield voters on a new coal-fired power plant. Greene County clerk Richard Struckhoff says absentee ballots are pacing to about a 25% turnout. The last June election in the county was in 2004 for a tax levy increase for Springfield schools. Turnout was 28% for that election.

Supporters' polling numbers a few weeks ago put this decision at a 51-29-20 undecided. The 2004 power plant was just as close, 51.83% to 48.17%, a difference of 1,486 votes.

This one's tilt may rest on turnout. Remember the 2004 power plant vote? It shared the ballot with gambling in Rockaway Beach, the gay marriage amendment, and the Democratic showdown between then-Gov. Bob Holden and Claire McCaskill. CU decided the power plant was collateral damage. Turnout in that election was 46.82%.

In 2004, the power plant's support largely came from areas south of Battlefield Road. Turnout in those areas often exceed 50%. The power plant was incredibly unpopular in north and central areas of the city. Turnout there ranged from 25% to 35%.