Putnam Election Officials: Avoid School Buses During Trip to Polls

Putnam election commissioner Anthony G. Scannapieco, Jr. can't remember the last time local schools were in session on the day of a presidential election.

Today, Nov. 6, is Election Day. Brewster administrators, along with those at Carmel and Mahopac, originally planned for a superintendent's conference day so students would not be in class as voters headed to the polls—some of which are located in the schools.

But because Hurricane Sandy hit last week, causing officials to cancel five days of instruction, youngsters in Brewster will be in school today. Carmel's website reflects the same change; Mahopac's does not.

Scannapieco said the Putnam Board of Elections has advised local superintendents to warn folks of potential traffic jams that could occur as school buses arrive or leave the site.

Despite the uncommon atmosphere the mix of students and voters will create at some locations, poll workers are not changing any procedures, Scannapieco told Patch. 

"There are too many variables," he said, adding that presidential races always garner the largest turnout of any elections. "Things will be interesting." 

Polling places—some of which experienced power outages late last week—will be open as usual, officials announced Monday.

Click here for more information about polling locations.