Leading up to the November election, political ads and mailers were everywhere, and lines for early voting stretched down the block in Shreveport.  But voter turnout actually went down.

Ernie Roberson with the Caddo Registrar of Voters says 66.1% of registered voters in Caddo Parish cast a ballot in November. That's just less than the November elections in 2008 and 2004.

Whether it be a lack of polarizing candidates, or just a matter of convenience, people don't vote for a number of reasons.  "Usually it just boils down to: One of the candidates just did not catch fire with them to make that person want to go vote, or they're just happy with the way things are going or so unhappy they don't want to go vote, or they're just not engaged in the process whatsoever," Roberson said.

Take the December election in Shreveport to decide a public safety sales tax renewal. The issue passed overwhelmingly -- 85% in favor. But only about 6,200 people, or 4.68% of the registered voters in Shreveport, voted.

More tax renewals issues will be on the ballot for Caddo Parish voters in the spring. But without a presidential or congressional candidate to choose from, it's safe to say that once again, a small fraction of the eligible public will continue deciding major issues.