By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — Over 13 percent of the town’s 17,410 registered voters had already cast ballots by 10 this morning as the 2014 mid-term elections finally arrive.
At the West Side Social Club polling place, Precinct 6 Warden Kristen Henshaw explained that by 6:35 a.m. people started lining up to vote, and by the stroke of 7 a.m. the line extended all the way to the tennis courts at Moulton Playground on Harrington Court.
“Everyone has been eager to cast a vote,” said Henshaw. “They’re happy to vote.”
Rosemary Morgan, the temporary town clerk, estimated that between 50 and 55 percent of Wakefield voters would turn out for today’s election. This was close to the prediction made statewide by Secretary of State William Galvin.
Other than one machine acting in a “balky” manner, Henshaw said operations were running smoothly at the WSSC.
“The machine has been acting up due to the ballot being two-sided,” said Henshaw.
Precinct 5 Warden Linda Byam said that 60 to 70 percent of voters were expected at the polls but that figure may have been conservative.
“We’ve been busy all morning,” she said. “I would call it a heavy turnout.”
Byam said booklets had been left on tables for people to refer to if they had any uncertainties about the four questions on the ballot.
The questions concern the repeal of the gas tax, whether casinos should be welcomed to the state, the so-called “bottle bill,” which would expand the state’s existing nickel deposit on carbonated beverage bottles to water, iced teas, juices and sports drinks and whether businesses should offer sick time as a matter of course.
“People are not taking a long time to vote,” she said. “They know how they want to vote before going to the booth.”
Henshaw gave praise to the “tellers” at the tables where voters pick up their ballots.
“They’re all wonderful, smart and welcoming people,” she said. “They’re doing their due diligence for democracy, too.”
Among those running for office today is Main Street Republican Richard Tisei, who is locked in a tough battle with Democrat Seth Moulton for the right to represent the North Shore in Congress. Voters will also choose the next governor, state representatives and state senator, among other offices and will determine the answer to four referendum questions on the ballot.
