Ward 8: Interest in State Rep Race Bringing Voters

Ward 8 Moderator Gene Anderson was on a patrol stroll – something he does every 90 minutes or so during Election Day. 

"I just come out and make sure our sign holders are cooperating, and for the most part, they are today," Anderson said. It's part of the job, making sure campaigners don't cross the line created to keep signs 100 feet from buildings where voters are coming and going.

The traffic in and out of Bicentennial School was strong, Anderson said, being propelled primarily by the Special Election for Ward 8 Alderman between Republican Peter Silva and Democrat Latha Mangipudi. They are vying for the seat vacated by Roland Laplante, who resigned in February, citing poor health.

Both Silva and Mangipudi were outside holding signs and in good spirits, both with plenty of supporters to greet voters as they entered the parking lot.

Incumbent Alderman Maryann Melizzi-Golja is up against challenger Jack Currier in Ward 8.

Anderson projected voter turnout would likely be higher than the city average, which City Clerk Paul Bergeron predicted would be about 14 percent.

"We'll probably see 18 or 19 percent. That may be on the high side, but I think we're on track for that," Anderson said. By 1:30 p.m. there were a little more than 700 voters of the 5,800 registered.  By 3 p.m. there had been about 1,000 voters.