Low Numbers Expected for Voter Turnout in Boston

The city of Boston is preparing for another U.S. Senate election on Tuesday, but in comparison to last November’s highly contested and anticipated Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown election, don’t expect long lines this time around.  Given the Ed Markey vs. Gabriel Gomez U.S. Senate election’s mid-summer timeframe and lack of corresponding presidential election, voter turnout is expected to be lower than last fall, according to both Republicans and Democrats.  “We’ve been in get out the vote mode for the last week, urging our supports to get out there and vote,” said Republican Party spokesperson Tim Buckley. “We’re anticipating low numbers, but we would hope for high turnout,” he said.  Democrats said that with no other races on the ballot in most places, who comes to the polls depends most on the issues facing the Senate candidates. “Most people are projecting that turnout will be down, and the real question is, who remembers to come and vote?” said Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh. “We’re doing a lot of work all across the state to get volunteers to knock on the doors of their neighbors,” he said.  Boston’s election department said it’s against their policy to speculate on voter turnout.  Polls open at 7 a.m. and will stay open until 8 p.m. Polls will remain open to all residents in line by 8 p.m. Residents can check their voter current status on the city’s website before they show up, as well. See here for a list of where to vote in your ward and precinct.  There are currently 390,000  registered voters in the city of Boston heading into Tuesday’s election day, out of 526,257 residents of Boston, according to the city.  The City of Boston said it has more than the number of ballots required to satisfy all registered voters eligible to participate tomorrow. Since September’s primary elections, the City has registered an additional 28,930 voters. In Boston, registered Democratic voters total 213,492; Republican voters total 25,926 ; unenrolled voters total 149,335; and other designations total 1,979.  In the South End neighborhood (Ward 3, Precint 7 – 4101, Ward 4, Precincts 1-4, Ward 5, Precinct 1, Ward 8, Precinct 1 and Ward 9, Precincts 1-2) there are 22,217 residents registered to vote.  SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch

Read more...