Polls closed, results might take longer than expected

Written by Justin Reynolds
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 20:32

Updated 12:30 a.m.

The polls closed in Wilton at 8 p.m., but due to a higher than expected voter turnout, the election's results will take a longer time than previously thought to tabulate, according to Carole Young-Kleinfeld, registrar of voters.

"We'll have at least a 34% turnout," she said. "That was our number for the last count at 7 p.m."

As of 9:55 p.m., Tina Gardner, registrar of voters, said approximately 4,203 voters went to the polls, reflecting 37.3% of Wilton's electorate.

Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said that as of 11:30 p.m., voting results were in for Districts 2 and 3.

"We don't have District 1 in, which is our biggest district," she said.

At 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, she said they're "close" to getting the results.

Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said that due to the higher than expected turnout -- 20.5% of the electorate voted in 2007 -- election officials had to start using paper ballots, as all the ballots able to be scanned were used. Election officials now have to count the results by hand.

"That's a good thing, though, the higher turnout," she said. "The more participation, the better the results."

Ms. Gardner released the absentee totals for two questions on the ballot: whether the town should allow package stores and whether the town should approve the proposed charter provisions. Ms. Gardner said 81 people voted in favor of package stores, compared to 49 against. She said 91 people approved the charter revisions, while 27 voted against them.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.