Voter Turnout in Mansfield Continues to be Low

Voter turnout for the 2012 Presidential Preference Primary of the Republican Party is likely the lowest Mansfield has seen in years, according to Republican Registrar Beverly Miela.

Mansfield is now past what registrars consider the "half-way point" as far as voter turnout is concerned, and reported a 5.5 percent turnout, or 75 ballots cast, as of 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The Town has 1,365 active registered Republicans.

This year's Republican Primary is costing Mansfield roughly $2,232 to run its four polling places - at this point, around $30 per vote, Democratic Registrar Andrea Epling said.

Costs for polling places include staffing, ballots and food for the workers.

Epling and Miela are two of several registrars statewide backing a senate bill proposal to save municipalities money in a low voter turnout situation.

Senate Bill 218, "An Act Concerning Polling Places for Primaries," would allow registrars to adjust the number of polling places open on Election Day for primaries.

"It would save money, eliminate the need for as many workers and avoid setting up extra polling places for a very low turnout," Miela said.

The polls in Mansfield will remain open until 8 p.m.

The locations of the polling places are as follows:

District 1 – ; 10 South Eagleville Rd.

District 2 – Mansfield Fire Department Station 107; 889 Stafford Rd.

District 3 – Buchanan Auditorium at the ; 54 Warrenville Rd.

District 4 – l; 306 Stafford Rd.