INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and challenger Greg Ballard each predicted victory over the other Monday, a day before voters were to decide whether to give Peterson a third term.

Most political observers had predicted a runaway victory for Peterson when Republicans six months ago nominated Ballard, then a virtual unknown. But recent polls have suggested that the race is tight, perhaps partly because of discontent over rising property taxes and an increase of the county income tax, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

On Monday, Ballard, a businessman and former Marine Corps officer, said he believed he would win Tuesday, citing good receptions that he has received from residents in the last few days.

"I think it looks very good. I think people are really energized, and I think our voters are very, very passionate, so I'm very confident, actually," Ballard said.

When asked if he had a chance to upset Peterson, he said, "Chance to upset? I think we are going to upset."

Peterson, who had lunch Monday with fellow Democrats on the city's south side to thank them for their support, said he always assumes each election will be close. He said he expects to win.

"I think things are going very well. I'm really excited about the turnout that I think we're going to have tomorrow," Peterson said. "We're working very hard to get our vote out. I'm just seeing a lot of enthusiasm out there, and I'm really excited about it."

Marion County Clerk Beth White, a Democrat, predicted a good turnout for Election Day, citing a high number of submitted absentee ballots. A high turnout would appear to indicate participation by people who don't normally vote -- possibly a good sign for Ballard, who would hope that dissatisfaction with the current administration would drive those people to the polls, Cox reported.

Republicans Target Control Of Council

Also at stake on Election Day is control of the City-County Council. Democrats currently hold a 15-14 advantage.

Council member Andre Carson, a Democrat, said he was confident that his party would retain control. When asked why, he said "because the people vote."

"The people know that we have the most consistent message, the best message, and the message that meets their needs," Carson said.

Republican council member Scott Keller said he thought his party would gain control, citing what he said was voter dissatisfaction with the council's leadership. The council last month voted to open an ethics investigation into the panel's president, Monroe Gray, a Democrat, over allegations that Gray, among other things, collects paychecks but does no work in his second job as legislative liaison for the Indianapolis Fire Department.

"I think, frankly, the Monroe Gray situation has resonated with a lot of voters," Keller said.