Primary Elections: Change in Venue May Have Attributed to Low Turnout

Turnout has been low for the primary elections —and one poll worker at is wondering if that has to do with the change in venue.

According to poll worker Marian Babiak, in the past, voters have been directed through the front door of the school and into a small gym where they could cast their votes.

But this year, Babiak said, voters have been directed around the side of the building and in through a door toward the back.

Consequently, Babiak said, for those who have parked in the front of the school, they have to walk on the uneven pavement around the side of the building rather than being on the flat floor of the school.

And for senior citizens and handicapped people, she said, this may be very difficult.

"They used to go in the front door so they walked on the floor," she said. "Now they are on the pavement."

Although there are signs directing voters around the side of the building to park their cars closest to the entrance, Babiak said not everyone has noticed that. A second poll worker mentioned that some people have been close to giving up because they could not find the correct entrance.

And as of 11 a.m., the school had only seen 38 total voters for four districts.

"The venue has changed and some of the voters are finding the signage confusing," Babiak said.

Babiak said she does not know why the change was made.

Although, Babiak said, she also does not know whether to attribute the low turnout to this change or the fact that it is just a primary election.

"November may be an entirely different story," she said.

Check back later in the evening for more updates on Primary Election Day, and stop here first for up-to-date results after the polls close at 8 p.m.