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Elections board ready for voting

Technical rover from the Butler County Board of Election Darrell Marcum double checks the voting machines inside the Amanda Elementary School Monday, Nov 2, in Middletown.

Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Technical rover from the Butler County Board of Election Darrell Marcum double checks the voting machines inside the Amanda Elementary School Monday, Nov 2, in Middletown.

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer Updated 8:10 AM Tuesday, November 3, 2009

HAMILTON — Some heated local races and issues — as well as the state issues — may drive voter turnout up to 30 percent in Butler County.

That was the prediction that county Elections Director Betty McGary gave late Monday, Nov. 2.

McGary said that’s slightly higher than the 27.51 percent voter turnout in 2007.

She said the city charter amendments in Middletown and the state issues should drive up the voter turnout percentage Tuesday. In Hamilton, voters will be electing a new mayor and three new city council members while Middletown will be voting on city council candidates.

In addition, there are 22 changes in polling locations. McGary said the major reasons for the changes are to ensure accessibility for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as some locations being renovated.

If there are any problems at any voting location, McGary said her office has a command center to address issues.

“We have troubleshooters out within five to seven miles of voting locations, and can get be sent immediately if there are problems,” she said.

In neighboring Warren County, Elections Director Keir Holeman also is expecting a voter turnout of 30 percent with a margin of error of 2 percent.

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One small problem at the church where I voted was that twenty people were assembled with their candidates' signs, crowding the parking lot and the sidewalk as voters tried to walk in. (One even urged to remember his candidate as I voted--pushy, pushy.)

Kelzins
8:31 AM, 11/3/2009

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And very disappointed...I would have thought with all of the budget monies restored to Dixon's GF that we would have croissants, fresh fruit and lattes at the polling stations this morning. Or at the very least a GOP private party room with some bagels and Starbucks. With the extra $1 million asked for next year these basics should be considered, if not for all, at least for those voting straight GOP tickets. Or do we have to go to the new BOE Building for those "perks".

greatly concerned
8:22 AM, 11/3/2009

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They weren't ready at Fairfield South Elementary this morning. The scene was more akin to a third-rate banana republic. Voter cards weren't working. Poll workers didn't know what they were doing. One even accused me in front of the whole room of taking the ballot card. Now why would anyone who cared enough to show up at 6:30 to vote be the sort of individual who would steal a ballot card? It was disgraceful. Hugo Chavez in Venezuela probably runs a better election.

Uncle Andy
7:28 AM, 11/3/2009

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