BRYAN COUNTY, OK -- Fewer Oklahomans turned out for the primary elections last month than have in decades, especially for a presidential year. With such a dismal turnout, as Emi FitzGerald reports, candidates in the August 26th runoff election are still hoping for more people at the polls so the majority of people are choosing area leaders.

As candidates in Bryan County prepare for next week's runoff, they hope for more turnout than in July’s primary.

"I tried to think back and remember, “Did we advertise it? Did we put it enough in the papers?"

Sheriff Bill Sturch says many people he has spoken with since the primary said they did not even know an election came and went.

So will the runoff be a repeat turnout wise of last month? Bryan County residents we talked to were for the most part unaware of what is set to take place later this month.

Sturch has served as sheriff for 15 years. He was an investigator and Army officer before that.

"I’m one of those that can manage budgets and put people on the streets."

His challenger, Roy Brown, served as a state trooper, Durant police chief, and recently taught police officers in Iraq.

"I know how organizations are supposed to be run and I think I can make positive changes in the sheriff's office."

But with so few turning out to the polls, Sturch says a minority of people end up electing who will run the office, which is contrary to democratic ideals.

"However you vote, you need to get out and vote, especially in a year when we've got a presidential election."

Both candidates hope the word gets out. The sheriff's race, along with other runoffs across Oklahoma, is scheduled for August 26.