HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Statewide turnout of Connecticut's 2.3 million voters was nearing 50% as of noon Tuesday, according to the Secretary of the State's office.
Despite Election Day registration and hours to go before the polls close, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said there should be enough ballots for all voters.
"We hope we won't have anyone running out of ballots, but, by the way, if they do, we all know now from previous elections, there is a process by which you can print more ballots, put your stamp on them in the town, and keep on going which is what should happen. The election should never stop," Merrill said.
New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart shared voter turnout throughout the day on twitter. The city surpassed 50% as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday including absentee ballots.
Overall, in-person voting has gone quite smoothly, according to the Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, except for the big crowds in some voting locations.
Voters cast their ballots at JFK Elementary School in WindsorAaron Kupec
"There are long lines in some places and then, some places, there's no line at all, so it kind of depends," Merrill said.
In West Hartford, the line of voters at Charter Oak International Academy stretched past the parking lot and around the field as early as 8:00 a.m.
A line of voters at Charter Oak International AcademyDaniela Doncel
At JFK Elementary School in Windsor, the line went around the building and into the parking lot as soon as the polls opened.
The city of Hartford saw smooth operations with its same day voter registration, according to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.
Besides the long lines, Merrill said there were a couple polling places that were without power Tuesday morning. However, she said power was quickly restored.
"We've had very few problems that have been reported to us," Merrill said, "and I think all our planning is paying off."
