Wilmington At Over 60% Turnout Going Into Election Day

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington's voter turnout is already over 64 percent and could hit 85 percent on Election Day, Tuesday, the town clerk predicted.

Over 11,500 residents have voted early as of Monday afternoon, with slightly more voting in person than by mail, Town Clerk Christine Touma-Conway said. Over 1,100 mail ballots are outstanding, including some absentee ballots.

In 2016, the town had 81 percent turnout, with 13,595 ballots cast.

"I remember thinking in 2016 that if turnout wasn’t at its highest then, when would it be?" Touma-Conway said. "But today I believe there is actually room for a higher turnout. So I’m going to guess we will inch up to the solid mid-or high 80’s, maybe 85 to 87 percent."

>>Voting In Wilmington: Everything You Need To Know

Residents with mail-in ballots can still return them by mail or using the secure drop box at 121 Glen Road. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday, and dropped-off ballots should be returned by 8 p.m., Tuesday. You can also vote in person.

"Honestly, it really has been smooth," Touma-Conway said. "Ridiculous amounts of work, but we nailed down a great system when doing all this in the Primary and we’ve had the assistance of some folks from other departments here in Town Hall, namely the Recreation Department who have become what I call 'clerks office south' and have done an absolutely incredible job."

The town clerk also thanked the residents who stepped up to become election workers when she put out a call in the spring. Many of the town's regular election workers are vulnerable to the virus, she said.

"I cannot say enough about my staff, our Rec Department, and these awesome citizens," Touma Conway said. "Imagine that we processed 11,241 ballots on Saturday. In 6 hours."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.