Politics & Government

Voter Turnout High, New Machines Working Well

A morning survey of local polling places finds that it's been busy.

Voting was brisk today at Northport area voting locations, say poll workers. 

"I've been here since before 6 a.m. and it's been a steady flow ever since," said one worker at the on Laurel Avenue in Northport who declined to give her name.

Another worker, who said his name is "just Roy" said that his election district had over 200 voters cast their ballots by 11 a.m. 

Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The new machines didn't seem to be causing many problems, although this reporter's own paper ballot was rejected due to "ambiguous marks." I was sent back to try again.

"Your marks aren't filled in well enough," said a poll worker. "Use the felt-tip pen in the privacy booth. That should make it easier."

The second time, my choices were apparently more clear and readable, and my paper ballot was accepted in to the tabulator. 

Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The privacy booths were awkward because they are on a slant and my pen and coffee almost slid to the ground several times. Also, while waiting to check in with my election district, I looked around the room and was able to clearly see the marks being made by another voter who had her back to me. 

The poll coordinator at said that the machine for handicapped or disabled voters was difficult to set up but besides that there were no problems.

Senator John Flanagan, currently up for reelection in the 2nd State Senate District, said he voted early this morning. But that didn't stop him from personally delivering snacks to the poll workers at Dickinson. 


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