(Additional reporting by Marianna Rappa)
The head of Hamden’s Democrats is confident Election Day will bring good news for the party as long poll lines greeted voters Tuesday morning.
“It feels like a wave year for Democrats, and I think we will win, up and down the ballot,” said Sean Grace, chair of the Hamden town committee.
Grace said the pandemic altered traditional campaign plans but candidates adjusted.
“This has been a difficult year for face to face voter contact but our candidates and their volunteers have done an excellent job adjusting safely to the reality of the pandemic,” said Grace.
Katherine Hines, a Democratic volunteer, said there were long lines at the polls this morning.
“There were roughly 200 people at Ridge Hill School this morning right when polls opened, waiting to vote,” Hines said.
She then added that people from all walks of life turned out in large numbers, calling it “inspiring”.
“People in wheelchairs and walkers were waiting in line in the freezing cold, it meant so much to them,” Hines said.
Josh Elliott, who is running for re-election in the 88th district in the state House of Representatives in Hartford, said he expects this poll to be record-setting.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we broke 80 or 90 percent turnout,” Elliott said.
Elliott added that he had also seen long lines of voters throughout the morning.
“I saw around 100 people in line to vote this morning at Spring Glen (Elementary School), he said.” People are ready to vote.”
Elissa Lupi, the assistant registrar in Hamden, called the turnout “unbelievable.” She said that lines were out the door at West Woods Elementary School early Tuesday morning.
“I wish it was like that every time,” she said.