Turnout Surpasses 30 Percent

With the polls closed at 8 p.m., about 2,394 people or 35 percent of the adjusted 6,805 qualified electors have voted. A few absentee ballots will be added. 

As of 6:30 p.m. voter turnout surpassed 30 percent. A total of 2,113 of some 6,804 qualified voters, or 31 percent, had cast votes. 

At 7:40 p.m., the number was 2,341, about 34 percent. 

At 6 p.m., a total of 2,005 had cast ballots, representing 29.5 percent of the approximate 6,804 qualified voters. 

The numbers climbed steadily throughout the day. 

At 10:30 a.m., 640 of some 6,804 qualified voters had cast ballots. Shortly before 1 p.m., the number was 960. 

At 3:25 p.m., it was 1,476, a 21.6 percent turnout. At 4:30 p.m., the number was 1,642, some 24 percent of voters. It was 1,752 at 5 p.m. and a half hour later, the number was up to 1,873. 

The day began with political signs, waving candidates and sunny skies. It seemed a festive affair far removed from a rare October snowstorm that is still affecting the town. 

Canton voting is taking place at the town's usual polling place, Canton Town Hall in downtown Collinsville. Many area towns were scrambling yesterday as some of their polling locations remain without power or affected by other issues. 

"We're very fortunate," said John R. Miner Jr., Republican registrar of voters. 

Some candidates did worry when the day started slowly. 

Mary Tomolonius, Board of Finance candidate and Democratic Town Chairman said she was in Collinsville shortly before 6 a.m. and did not see the amount of people she generally does. 

"It's the slowest I've ever seen it," she said. 

 Republican first selectman and candidate Richard Barlow agreed. 

"The turnout appears to be below average," he said early in the day. 

And the recent events across the area should propel more, not fewer, people to vote said resident Kim Salcedo. Local leadership is important, she said. 

"Everyone should come out and vote given the hell we've been through this week," she said.