Voting was underway Tuesday morning in Delaware County with turnout moderate as residents were picking a governor, a representative in Congress, a state senator in some places and numerous Pennsylvania House seats have contested races.
Early on Tuesday voting saw moderate lines, support for greenspace and “change” at one Delaware County polling place.
In Haverford 2-2 at Sacred Heart School, Judge of Elections Christina Jones was posting a sample ballot as a dozen voters waited for the doors to open while Democratic volunteer Greg Cunningham was handing out sample ballots.
Democratic volunteer Greg Cunningham handing out sample ballots at Sacred Heart school Haverford 2-2. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)
The first voter, who had been in line for about 40 minutes declined to give his name but said he always comes early.
“I have to get it done before work,” he said.
Perhaps it was the hour but others in the group also declined comment.
When asked if this was an important election one voter said, “Every election is an important election.”
Down the road at Collenbrook United Church where both Upper Darby District 1 precincts 3 and 7 vote, John Finley was first in line with a couple of dozen people behind him
“There was a pretty huge line last year and I’m just trying to get in before going to work,” Finley said as the doors opened.
“Change” and supporting the county referendum on open space seemed to be driving voters to the polls in Drexel Hill. The church sits next to the Mozino tract, which has been proposed for development and has been discussed at township meetings.
Four volunteers were handing out material for the Democrats. There were no Republican volunteers on hand. In addition to sample ballots, the group was handing out fliers supporting the county referendum on green space, which could incur up to $120 million in debt.
Volunteer Clare Ziff could be heard answering a voters’ question on the referendum.
A sign supporting the county greenspace initiative at Collenbrook church in Drexel Hill. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)
“There is no guarantee it would be used on the Mozino tract, but it would be a possible source of funding,” Ziff told the woman. “I’m hoping you vote yes on that.”
Ziff said early indications are voters will support the referendum
“I was just talking to three ladies who did not want Democratic sample ballots, so I’m guessing they are Republican … they all were very interested in what is going to happen to the Mozino tract,” Ziff said.
“One of things that was on the ballot was the woods, about the forest,” said Denise Blessing. “I am totally against tearing that down.”
“It’s going to cost the county but in the long run it is going to be so totally worth it,” said her husband Bob Blessing.
“I’m done with the chaos,” said Joel Montes. “There is too much division, obviously the economy, and just the lowering of what it is to be an American. This is not who we are. We have to do something about it. We can’t just sit on our hands and expect something to change. Things don’t change by themselves. You have to make a change.”
“Change … everything. It starts locally,” said Martina Williams. “I want to do my part to start the change.”
Democratic volunteers hand out information at Collenbrook United Church in Drexel Hill. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)
John Wells said he wanted to vote to support Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“I think we need to support the governor and I like the initiative to save the parks. Those are the two main things,” Wells said. “I also think Scanlon is doing a good job.”
For volunteers Ryan and Kori Kramer the recent change of polling locations, which moved one of the polls from a community room at the Drexelbrook across State Road to the church was of concern.
“It’s not terribly far but it is if you don’t have a car it is,” said Ryan Kramer.
This story will be updated all day, so check back.