JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – With several key local elected seats up for grabs, officials aren’t sure what to expect for voter turnout in Jefferson County today.
While so-called “off-year” primary elections traditionally see a low turnout, often with less than 20% of registered voters casting a vote, today’s election may be a little different.
Jefferson County residents will be voting for County Commissioners in today’s election, with the three seats being contested between three incumbents and one challenger, but two other county races have garnered some interest, as well.
Five candidates are vying for the Jefferson County Register of Wills, Recorder of Deeds &Amp; Clerk of the Orphans Court position, while the Jefferson County Sheriff is also facing a challenger.
Jefferson County Director of Elections Karen Lupone said while the turnout for these elections is typically low, she is still hoping for a good turnout.
“I’m always the optimist. Some people have a different opinion because it is what they consider an off election, but I don’t look at it that way,” Lupone told exploreJeffersonPA.com.
“I would be happy with more than 19% but I’m thinking it’ll probably hover around 19. We do have one race that’s hotly contested, so I’d like to see more people come out for that.”
In neighboring Clarion County, residents have more key local positions up for grabs this year than any of our surrounding counties, with the Common Pleas Judge, the District Attorney, and the County Commissioners all on the ballot, plus District Magisterial Judges in two areas of the county.
“I’m not really sure what to estimate,” Clarion County Director of Elections Cindy Callihan said.
“As far as what we’re hearing from absentee voters now, there seems to be a lot of interest. It seems to be the county and judicial races that have everyone interested in the election.”
Polls are open on election day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For additional information on polling locations check the Department of State Polling Place Search Tool.
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