Twenty percent of Shelton's 23,802 registered voters have come out as of 2 p.m., or 4,702, according to the Shelton Registrar's Office.
The polls close at 8 p.m.
Voters will decide if Mayor Mark A. Lauretti should have a 12th two-year term or to try someone new.
Shelton Democratic Town Committee Chairman David Gioiello Jr. is campaigning on more transparent government and has vowed to return his salary if taxes have to be raised in the 2014-2015 fiscal year.
He also wants to clarify the budget process by separating the rainy day account. Gioiello said the city budgets for more money for departments than it needs then leaves open positions vacant.
The excess money is then returned to the city.
He added that the mayor should not have the final say on every department decision. Lauretti needs to approve any expenditure for more than $100, a policy with which he disagrees.
Lauretti said during his nomination speech that he has heard many criticisms over the years as mayor. But his administration has kept taxes down and made Shelton business-friendly, he said.
Vying for longevity is Democrat John "Jack" Finn, who is going for a 15th two-year term on the Board of Alderman. He is the lone democrat on that board right now.
In July, at his nomination, he urged voters to "stay the course."
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