Turning Out in Force

Last Nov. 2, Oregon Council 75 won a major victory even as President Bush remained in the White House: A smashing 93.4 percent of Oregon workers represented by the union voted in the Presidential election — 10 percent more than the state's electorate as a whole.

Ninety-seven percent of Council 75 members in Benton County cast their ballots, the highest turnout in the state. Overall, at least 90 percent of members voted in 12 counties. Two others registered a single percentage point less.

Ken Allen, Council 75 executive director and International vice president, attributed the high turnout to effective phone banking and compelling local issues on the ballot.