Poll Workers Report Low Voter Turnout

Poll workers today reported a slow stream of voters coming through to cast ballots, and said they hoped that more residents would arrive during the early evening hours.

At the where voting is taking place for precincts 1 and 5, turnout was less than 10 percent this afternoon. As of 1:45 p.m., 183 voters had cast ballots in precinct 5, while 139 residents had voted in precinct 1.

A couple leaving the building said they came out to vote because they always do.

At the 177 precinct 8 voters had cast ballots by 2 p.m., representing about 7.5 percent turnout. Poll workers recalled crowds lined up for past elections – and the 80 percent turnout garnered when Scott Brown was elected Senator.

"If we get 15 percent today, I'll be amazed," said poll worker Jerri O'Neill.

Resident Richard Crogan cast his ballot, and said he came out to vote today because it's his duty to do so.

"If I don't, and I don't get what I want, I couldn't complain," he said.

Alice Maguire, a Lexington resident since 1973, arrived to vote with her son, Glen Maguire, and the pair said they were there to support Steve Grossman, the Democratic candidate for State Treasurer.

"I wanted to vote for Grossman," Alice Maguire said. "I vote because it gives me the right to complain."

Voter Mary Demaso echoed that sentiment, saying she votes because she can then complain loudly if things go in a direction she doesn't like.

"I think it's my responsibility to be involved," she said. "I see absolutely maniacal developments that I like to counteract."

Polling places are open until 8 p.m. tonight. Check Lexington Patch later tonight for election results and voter turnout numbers.  See a list of where to vote here.