NORTHAMPTON — Voters are turning out in “very low” numbers for the City Council special election today, according to City Clerk Wendey Mazza.
Of the 20,423 registered voters in the city, fewer than 1,000, or under 5 percent of voters, had turned out by 3 p.m. to vote for a new at-large city councilor since the polls opened at 7 a.m.
“We’re hoping at least a couple thousand people come out and vote,” Mazza said. “One precinct just about clocked 100,” Mazza said. “The others are under 100. They’re in the 30s and 50s,” Mazza said.
The special election will narrow the pool of four candidates running for an at-large city council seat vacated by Jesse Adams. The results of today’s vote will determine the two candidates who will square off in a final election Aug. 4.
Andrew B. Smith, Blue DuVal, Ryan O’Donnell and Marlene Morin are the candidates vying for the spot.
Every precinct in the city will be open for voting until 8 p.m., but Mazza said she worries that late afternoon thunderstorms could dampen voter turnout.
“It’s not a gangbuster election so far. People are coming off the holiday weekend and it doesn’t appear they are interested in voting,” Mazza said.