Election Day arrived Tuesday, and Hamden residents hit the polls to cast their votes without any incidents reported.
According to Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, almost 50% of registered voters in Connecticut had already voted by noon. That number is cheered Peggy Tibbals, who stood outside of Bear Path School, campaigning for State Senate District 17 incumbent George Logan.
“That’s great to hear,” said Tibbals about voter turnout. “While it may not play a part (in the presidential) election, it is super important that we may have a record turnout in terms of our local election.”
Pauline Obura arrived at the polls before they opened this morning. She was surprised a line had already formed.
“I came in at 5:30 this morning and it was so packed. More than 2008. I had to go to work so now I came on my lunch break,” Obura said.
Due to the political polarization, along with the guidelines put in place due to COVID-19, some residents voiced surprise with how smoothly the process went.
“I was very anxious that there might have been a lot of hostility,” said Leo Budnick after casting his ballot at Bear Path School. “I’m hoping everything goes smoothly and safely despite all the tension in the air this whole year regarding the election.”
Mark Cuss also voted at Bear Path School, and he, too, said the process proceeded without friction.
“It was very smooth. I have been checking my Twitter feed to see how things have been going around the country, and it’s not at all what I anticipated, and that’s great,” Cuss said.
Due to the large number of absentee ballots being mailed in, the final decision on winners may take longer than anticipated. Cuss said he believes that local results will be quicker than the national results.
“I think it’s the coherent thing to do, and I don’t anticipate that there will be any issues with it,” Cuss said.
Alexis Smith is also hopeful of a firm decision, even if it means it may take longer to reach.
“If Connecticut or other places need extra time then I think we should allow it to make sure it’s accurate,” Smith said. “We’re in an unprecedented time with folks really feeling the pressure of potentially getting sick, so absentee voting is very important this year.”
Obura agreed.
“I hope that it’s fair and I hope that they do the right thing,” Obura said.