Voter Turnout Down Slightly from the Last Referendum

Supporters of an $80.3 million town budget proposal and $3.8 million in bonding for the Honeywell energy efficiency upgrades at town schools have been urging people to vote yes in letters and blogs. On the other side, some residents were not impressed with the $200,000 cut the first selectman made to the budget after the first referendum defeat, saying, "Big deal." Skeptical voters also successfully petitioned the bonding to a referendum vote.

On Tuesday, red "Vote Yes" signs and yellow "Vote No" signs dotted some lawns around town as voters continued to go to the polls, which will be open until 8 p.m.

Republican Registrar of Voters Judith Stripay said the turnout was down slightly from the first referendum on April 3.

As of 2 p.m., 12.84% (1,639) of Monroe's 12,766 registered voters participated in the referendum compared to 13.41% at this time on April 3.

Canvassing letters continue to be sent back and new people register, so Stripay said the voter rolls are constantly being updated. For instance, on April 3, there were 12,858 registered voters compared to 12,766 this time.

Town Clerk Marsha Beno said 113 people voted by absentee ballot compared to 118 last referendum. "So it's about the same," she said.

One thing gives Stripay reason to believe voter turnout could pick up later in the day.

"We had some people calling and asking where their polling places are, which could be an indication of that they didn't vote last time or they're newly registered," Stripay said. "It's encouraging that people are calling to double check."