Turnout for Special Election Sporadic, Better Than Forecast

The state election to decide a U.S. Senate seat for Massachusetts isn't turning out voters in large numbers, but it's beating the initial forecast of a record low.

As of 3 p.m., 2,391 people had voted in Milford, about 14 percent of the registered voters, according to a count provided by Town Clerk Amy Hennessey Neves.

The Secretary of State's office, which handles elections, had predicted the special state election Tuesday could result in a record low turnout statewide.

The turnout at home to two of the town's eight precincts, was "sporadic" through the morning, an election official said. After a brief busy time during the morning hours, the voters had slowed considerably by noon.

The precincts had no waiting times, even during their busiest times, with an ample number of voting machines.

The ballot features just one race — U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, a Democrat, and businessman Gabriel Gomez, a Republican are in a contest for the open seat for U.S. Senate.

Polls will remain open until 8 p.m.