Voter Turnout Higher than Last year, but Still Low

A small line of people coming to vote on the budget referendum formed at one check-in table inside the Fawn Hollow Elementary School gymnasium at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Off to the side, moderator Bill Laros noted it was the first line he had seen since the polls opened five hours ago.

Laros said just over seven percent of voters in that district had participated in the referendum, so far.

In the parking lot, Ed Deak, a member of the Monroe Police Commission, said he voted in favor of the $80.5 million budget proposal.

"I hope it doesn't get voted down, because we put money in for security and I'd hate to see that taken out," he said. "People are concerned and I hope it shows in their vote."

In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook School in Newtown on Dec. 14, many Monroe parents pushed for better security at town schools.

Police Chief John Salvatore asked for three new school resource officers, so there will be one officer at each of Monroe's five schools. He also worked with Supt. of Schools James Agostine and the district on a plan for security improvements which includes more cameras and sallyports at the entrances.

While Deak was willing to share how he voted, most town voters were keeping their decisions close to the vest.

Prior to today, supporters of the education budget have urged people to vote yes, while others spoke in opposition of the 4.24% mill rate increase. The mill rate is used to calculate individual tax bills.

Highest Turnout was 2009

As of 11 a.m., the Registrars of Voters said 1,010 people came out to vote, which is 2.02% more than the 745 who showed by that time last year.

Town Clerk Marsha Beno said 119 people voted by absentee ballot this year.

Democratic Registrar Susan Koneff said there are also more registered voters, 12,858 compared to 12,762 in 2012.

Of the turnout so far, she said, "It's better than last year, but last year was a new low."

Last year, voter turnout for the referendum was 24.6% and the budget passed.

Koneff said the typical percentage of voter turnout for budget referendums is in the high 20's to the low 30's.

She said the highest voter turnout for a budget referendum that she can remember was 44% on May 12,2009, when Charter Revision was on the ballot with a proposal to take away the automatic referendum.