Voter Turnout: Who Are Locals Voting For?

Primary day started off a bit slow in Somerset and Union counties, but voter turnout is beginning to pick up as locals get out of work.

Residents of Watchung began coming in at a steady pace around 4 p.m. at Wilson Memorial Union Church off Hillcrest Road.

And the consensus was mixed as to who they were voting for.

"I voted for A. B. C. Anbody But Hillary," said a Watchung local, who didn't want to give his name. He voted for Bernie Sanders and said he wasn't affected by the Associated Press article on Monday.

The article declared that Hillary Clinton had wrapped up enough delegates to earn the Democratic nomination over Bernie Sanders.

"It didn't affect me," said Jennifer Goldweber of Watchung, who voted for Clinton. "Nothing is ever guaranteed. The delegates can always change their minds."

Sarah Zwerko of Bridgewater, a Sanders supporter, also wasn't affected by the news.

"Bernie has had recent success in states such as West Virginia and I feel that they are jumping the gun," Zwerko told Patch. "It's not over till the last vote is counted. Because of that, I found it especially important to be part of that vote. My one vote could make the difference."

Lillian M. of Watchung is not happy with the primary election.

"It's really lousy," Lillian said. "They are not talking about the issues."

Although, Lillian likes Sander's ideas, she favored Hillary with her vote.

• Importance of voting

Torn between Sanders and Donald Trump, Melissa Marco of Bridgewater said she believes it is important to vote.

"I'm voting because it is important ....if you don't vote, you don't get to complain." Marco said.  "I can't tell you how many people I hear (complain) and moan about Obama and then when I'm like 'Oh who did you vote for?' They say 'I didn't vote.' I'm pissed off and I just look at them disgusted and state 'then you lost the right to complain...you didn't try to make a difference and therefore you don't get to complain.'"

Dorie Harvey of Watchung voted for Hillary. She does like Sanders but feels he is too old. And she always votes.

"I didn't want to complain about the winner when I didn't even vote," Harvey said.

Sarah Tassie of Union is voting after work.

"Everyone should vote," Tassie said. "Every vote counts and it's your chance to have your voice heard and change our country to better it for us."

Goldweber was also voting with her six-and-a-half year old daughter to show her the importance of voting.

"I want her to experience voting this year more than ever because we are deciding who will have power over our country," Goldweber said.

Polls are open Tuesday until 8 p.m. 

Have a news tip? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.