Various Reasons Drive Voters to The Polls

With voters lined up almost 20 deep before the polls opened this morning at and one campaign volunteer noting a packed parking lot at around the same time, Tuesday's midterm election is stacking up to be a well attended battle in several key races.

Town Clerk James Mullen Jr. expects a turnout around 70 percent, an estimate he formed based on past elections and a steady flow of voter's he witnessed this morning when visiting the precincts.

As voters continue to head to the polls, the message from all parties is that it's important to vote and be part of that large turnout.

Gov. Deval Patrick set that tone early this morning outside of St. Mary of the Hills. "Today is about getting the vote out," Patrick told a group of reporters after casting his vote.

Patrick supporters Maureen Sweeney, Mary Burke and Barbara Phinney, who joined a group of campaigners in welcoming the Governor with campaign signs, agreed with the sentiment that regardless of who a person votes for; they should go to the polls.

Across town, Robert Burke had a similar message as he stood along Edge Hill Road. "It's about everyone in this town participating," said Burke, who was waving at passersby with a smile and pair of Bob Burr signs. Burr is a Republican, who is challenging Democrat Brian A. Joyce for his seat in the State Senate.

Burke said he was driven to vote for Burr because of his principles, not just party lines. "It comes down to conservative principles and liberal principles," Burke said.

Just up the road, Ed Duffy was holding signs for Patrick and Mike Morrissey, the Democratic candidate for Norfolk County District Attorney.  For Duffy, today's election is all about party loyalty. "(The election) is a national referendum on how the government is doing," said the Democrat.

There is another loyalty that may be driving Milton voters to the polls, an allegiance to their neighbors. Both Joyce and Patrick are longtime Milton residents that have strong followings in town. The pair was greeted fondly at St. Mary of the Hills this morning and their campaign signs dot the area.

Steve Cidlevich, who has known Joyce for a long time, was campaigning for the senator at Cunningham Hall. "It's all local," he said. "I'm voting Milton."

For election results, reaction and photos check back with Milton Patch throughout the evening.