2015 Election Day Update: Turnout Slow At Most Precincts As of Midday

Election Day 2015 is in full swing, although one might not be able to tell by the traffic – or lack thereof – at the polling stations in Safety Harbor.

The City has seven precincts spread over five locations, and based on early canvassing, the turnout for the election, which has four candidates vying for two City Commission seats and six charter amendments on the ballot, had been light as of midday.

At Cypress Meadows Community Church, supporters of candidates Andy Zodrow and Janet Hooper had been holding signs and greeting voters since the polls opened at 7:00 a.m. At noon, they said the turnout had been very slow.

“It’s been a very light turnout so far,” Jerry Pesci, a member of the Safety Harbor Fire Department, told Safety Harbor Connect.  Maybe 25-35

“But there are a lot of precincts in town, and many people who have interest in this election have probably already mailed in their ballots.”

Over at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, a traditionally busy polling station, the story was basically the same.

“We had about ten people waiting in line when the polls opened, and we’ve probably had about 100 come through so far,” a Supervisor of Elections volunteer deputy working the door named Paul said.

“Normally we’re pretty busy here – in the 2012 election we had 800 people vote here. But this year it’s been just a steady trickle.”

A trip to the Safety Harbor public Library, which serves three precincts and is considered the hub for City elections, revealed there was a bigger overall political presence than at the other locations.

But that mainly had to do with the fact that three of the four commission candidates were stationed outside of the Second Avenue South facility, complete with small armies of loyal supporters holding signs and waving at motorists.

“It was pretty crazy here earlier this morning, a lot of people and a lot of signs being waved,” Zodrow, who is seeking reelection to Seat #1, said.

“We’ve been told this has been the busiest precinct in Pinellas County so far.”

A quick check at the door revealed most of the commotion had been taking place outside of the 100-foot radius supporters are required to stand away from the polling stations.

“The traffic has been constant, but not heavy,” SOE deputy Judy Schneider said. “But we’ll probably see the most people between 5:00 and 7:00, after they get off of work and before the polls close.”

For more information of the 2015 Safety Harbor municipal election, stay with Safety Harbor Connect.com!

Related:

• 2015 Safety Harbor Municipal Election: What You Need To Know
• 2015 Safety Harbor Municipal Election Candidate Profiles
• 2015 Safety Harbor Municipal Election Charter Amendments