Southampton Voter Turnout Hovers Around 20%

Although these smaller-scale, “off-year” elections quite possibly have a greater and more immediate impact on the daily lives of their local residents, they don’t quite carry the punchy, attention-grabbing headlines of the national and state campaigns.  

There was no heated talk of union busting or healthcare issues or the debt crisis outside of the four Southampton polling stations.   There wasn’t talk of much at all.  As of  6:00 PM, the polls were practically vacant. 

The common consensus among poll workers at the four Southampton polling stations (, , , and ) was that turnout was slightly below normal expectations for this type of election, but not too far off the average.  

Up for grabs on the ballot were several critical positions in local government.  Four judges, County Commissioner and Treasurer, and Township Supervisor  positions were all being filled this evening, to name just a few.  

Several candidates were running unopposed, which didn’t help to increase

“They took one look at me and said ‘I give up,’” joked Republican candidate for Upper Southampton Township Supervisor, Stephen Wallin.  

Republican Committeewoman Joan Jankowski was stationed outside the polling room at Stackpole Elementary; she put a positive spin on the turnout.

“It has been slow but steady,” said Jankowski.  “We may even hit 25%.  Not bad for an off-year election.”

As of 6 PM, the number of voters that turned out hovered in the low 20% range at all of Southampton’s polling stations.  356 of an estimated 1500 voters had turned out to cast their vote at Stackpole.  562 out of a potential 2617 showed up at Klinger.  At the Community Center, 569 of the 2751 eligible to vote there actually cast a vote.  And at the Fire House, 700 residents took part in their local democracy.  

The numbers weren’t earth-shattering, but Republican and Democrat alike agreed that they were par for the course in these low-interest elections.

“It’s better than I expected,” said Democratic Committeewoman Marilyn Betz of the voter turnout.  “It’s been steady.  I’d say it’s the normal turnout here."  

When asked what brought them out, several voters were of the opinion that it was their civic obligation to cast their vote, no matter the size and scope of the election.

“It’s our duty,” said Southampton Resident Melody Boyd as she exited the polls at Klinger.  

“People fought and died for us to be able to vote.  Some people only come out to vote for President.  I always come out - it’s my duty,” she added.

Jim Lewis, outside of the Southampton Fire House, echoed that sentiment.  

“It’s always important to vote,” said Lewis.