Low Turnout So Far At Waterford Polls

As of 11 a.m., only 6.8 percent of registered Waterford voters - 874 people - had voted in today's municipal elections, down from 10 percent at that time in 2011, the last municipal election.

The reason, as many speculated, was the lack of a First Selectman's race, as the town agreed to extend the term for its top post from two years to four. Yet despite the small turnout, a few, dedicated candidates were stationed outside the polling locations, hoping to change some minds.

At Town Hall, where District 1 voters vote, fellow Representative Town Meeting members Janet Smith and Brendan McGuirk were out holding their signs. The two - despite being from different parties and competing against each other - had a similar message for the public: vote.

"It is a way to make an impact on something that really affects you," Smith said.

Meanwhile, at Great Neck Elementary School - the polling location for District Four voters - Board of Education candidates Kathleen McCarty and Lisa Barry were both holding their political signs, encouraging voters to go Republican. While McCarty is a longtime member of the board and currently serves as its chairwoman, it is Barry's first time running for the Board of Education.

"It is in the interest of helping children in the town," said Barry, an attorney, when asked why she wanted to run. "I was intrigued in helping out the Board of Education and I think they do a wonderful job."