For many, one of the biggest draws for the 2011 general election was the initiatives on the ballot. From privatizing the sale of hard alcohol, to managing taxes for road construction projects, the initiatives on the ballot generated a record for money spent but could not get the majority of voters to cast a ballot.

Voter apathy apparently was the big winner this year with Washington’s Secretary of State Sam Reed predicting only 47 percent of eligible voters casting a ballot.

Reed, the state’s chief elections official, said on a state Web site that it would be a little lower than the past two off-year elections, reflecting a lack of major races or hotly contested and controversial ballot measures that would spur heavy interest.

One of the most controversial races was to privatize the sale of hard alcohol in the state of Washington. Initiative 1183 looks to be passing with 60 percent of the vote.

Costco was singled out for contributing more than $20 million to push the initiative, a state record. Only $18.5 million was actually spent. The obvious impact is that those over 21 will be able to buy spirits at their local grocery store, beginning June 1, 2012.

The initiative has limitations for a retailer’s size in an effort to keep hard alcohol out of minimarts and gas stations.

Another impact of the initiative will be that the state will have to auction off the 328 statewide liquor stores, including two in Bothell and one in Kenmore. Nine-hundred Washington State liquor-store employees will also have to find new work as a result of change. It will also generate more revenue for state and local governments. Loss of revenue was a big reason two separate measures failed last year.

All election results will not be certified until Dec. 8.