Election 2011: Turnout Slow But Steady at Polls

Voters turned up to the polls in a slow but steady stream Tuesday at Hauppauge polling places. Difficulty with the new voting system early in the morning didn't deter residents, who said they came to vote out of a sense of civic obligation.

Pat Alger, voting coordinator at Hauppauge Middle School, said Election Day got off to a rough start when one of the polling place's machines wasn't working when the doors opened at 6 a.m. It took nearly four hours to get the machines working, she said.

"It's not the busiest we've ever been, but it's not like primary day," Alger said. "It's a slow but steady stream."

As of 5 p.m., approximately 700 voters in five districts had cast their ballots at Hauppauge Middle School. Alger predict pace would pick up as residents got out of work and finished dinner.

Voters leaving the polls made open comments about the difficult of adjusting to the new system. Many couldn't understand why New York State Board of Elections has done away with the lever voting booths. 

Most of those who showed up to cast their vote said they showed up at the polls out of a sense of civic obligation rather than a motivating issue or party loyalty.

"I was thinking about it today when I realized it's sad that we're not that excited to vote anymore," said voter Elizabeth McCarthy.

A select few did show up though out of a desire for change. Hauppauge residents Giselle Batista said she showed up to make sure that Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan did not get re-elected.

"My taxes went up by over $2,000 in two years and I didn't build any additions, an in-ground pool or anything," Batista said.

She said she also voted in favor of Republican candidate Angie Carpenter for Suffolk County executive in favor of Steve Bellone. Batista said she's very much aware of how local elections can have an impact on one's wallet.