Norwalk Residents Head To Polls For 2021 Primary Election

NORWALK, CT — Despite a light voter turnout, over 200 Norwalk residents have cast their votes in Tuesday's primary election as of 4 p.m., according to city voting officials.

Tyler Fairbairn, Jenn McMurrer, John Kydes and Jennifer McAllister are all seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Norwalk Common Council (District C).

Democratic Registrar of Voters Stuart Wells said a total of 211 votes had been cast as of 4 p.m. This marked an increase from noon, when only about 104 votes had been cast, Wells said.

He also noted his office had also received 11 absentee ballots.

"I don't expect any line at 8 [p.m.]," Wells said. "It's so light that I don't think people are going to hold off until the last minute either. I imagine they will keep trickling in the rest of the day."

Though he did not expect a dramatic increase in votes as the day went on, Wells said he expected more to trickle in until the polls close at 8 p.m. He also expected to have a projected winner pretty early in the evening.

"We should be able to tally it all up pretty quick," Wells said.

Voting took place at both Nathan Hale Middle School and Marvin Elementary School. Fairbairn said he and McMurrer split time between Nathan Hale and Marvin in the morning to meet with voters.

"Turnout has been slow so far," Fairbairn said, "but that's probably not unusual for a district primary race. We're hoping to see as many Democrats as possible at the polls today."

McMurrer said she had been at the polls since 5:45 a.m. and planned to remain at Marvin until the polls close. She also noted voters seemed as upbeat and optimistic as she was.

"We are feeling good," McMurrer said. "We are so grateful for those that have come out to vote so far and hope more people will come out in the remaining hours to have their voices heard."

According to Wells, there was no line at either polling location when they opened at 6 a.m., which was the case during the November presidential election.

Wells said the turnout is similar to previous primaries for council, which tend to receive 200-300 total votes.

"Maybe it's a little lighter than the others, but I can't say for sure if it will turn out that way," Wells said. "It's picked up in the last couple hours a little, but not much, so it is what it is I guess."