While Pima County lagged behind Arizona’s 14 other counties in tabulating votes in last week’s primary elections, the fact that only about 23 percent of registered voters actually cast ballots was probably a good thing.

Better news, though, voters are being energized by this year’s presidential elections. Nielsen Media Research estimates 38.3 million viewers across the country watched Barack Obama’s acceptance speech as part of the Democratic National Convention Aug. 28 and 37.2 million watched Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s speech Sept. 3.