Amherst Poll Workers: 'We Want More Voters'

The weather today is dreary, and the lack of election turnout so far today is spreading that mood to the polls.

Amherst town moderator Stephen Coughlan said that only about 600 voters turned out so far this afternoon. 

“I want more voters,” said Coughlan. “Given all the issues facing the town, it is a very poor turnout.”

Fran Harrow was working the polls today and was disappointed by the lack of voter turnout.

“We want voters to know that the issues being decided are very important to them and will affect them directly,” she said.

Dedicated Amherst voter Mike Larivee said that he comes every year regardless of what is on the ballot, as it is his “duty.”

“If you don’t vote, then you can’t complain,” said Larivee.

Town clerk Nancy Demers said the turnout is low this year, but that is pretty typical for town meeting elections. She said she would be “surprised” if the final voter count reaches 2,000 by the time polls close tonight at 8 p.m.

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The rain held off this afternoon, which was good news for the candidates holding signs outside. A few of them had tents just in case, but the weather wasn’t their only worry. They too were hoping to see more voters come out and cast their ballot today.

The newcomers, including Michael Costolo and John D’Angelo, said they have heard of a lot of voters looking for “new blood.” Incumbents like Dwight Brew, Peg Bennet and Lucienne Folks seemed confident as well.

Bennet said that the biggest issue the Amherst School District is facing, like the other warrants voted on today, is the passing of the operating budget. The school districts and town have been in a default budget this fiscal year.

Amherst Patch will have the results of today's elections right away when they are revealed tonight.