Slow but Steady Turnout at Warminster Polls

While Warminster's political party representatives may disagree with each other on most issues, one thing they found common ground on Election Day is the voter turnout. Slow, but steady and most with their minds already made up was the general consensus among party volunteers stationed outside various district polls who attempted to make last minute appeals for their candidates.

"It's been a little better than normal," said Ray Gwynn, a Republican volunteer who shook hands outside the polling station at the Centennial Administration Building. "It's better than the primary turnout and the last general election."

Gwynn and his fellow representatives were also tasked with informing people looking for the district 10 and 16 polling stations that used to be located at that they had been moved to Warminster campus on Newtown Rd.

Over at Longstreth Elementary on Roberts Rd., Democratic representative and Board of Supervisors Chairman Frank Feinberg estimated that turnout has been about 10-12 percent for districts 1 and 17.

"It's been very light, which is a shame for the candidates," said Feinberg. "They all worked so hard to campaign and get the word out."

The pressure has been pretty much off Chuck Kleinschmidt's shoulders this election cycle. The first-time candidate and Warminster resident is running unopposed for the District III Centennial School Board seat that will be vacated by the outgoing Thomas Hezel. Kleinschmidt has spent the day traveling to different polling places in District III basically to introduce himself to the voters.

"A lot of voters have done their due diligence and have come with informed votes, which is a great thing to see," said Kleinschmidt, standing outside Leary Elementary. "With the technology that's out there, people have more access to information and can better research the candidates."

Sitting outside the polling station at the township administration building, outgoing Democratic Supervisor Gail Johnson took a moment to ponder the ultimate outcome of his six-year term, and decided he is leaving with the township in better shape than when he first took office.

"I'm proud of the work I've done," said Johnson. "We've been a mixed party group, but we managed to keep our relationship very civil. It's nice that I am able to go out without raising taxes this year."