Voters Who Brave Rain Note Low Early Turnout

The 100th voter didn't walk through the doors at until after 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, leaving a lot of catching up to do before 9 p.m. to reach the more than .

Voters weren't exactly racing to the the three other polling locations by mid-afternoon either.

With two and a comparatively quiet budget season leading up to this year's school district vote, many of those who braved the rain this year said they noticed a more tame environment than a year ago.

“I just went through another community and I see they have more signs out,” Mary Rinaldi said after casting her vote at Preston. “I actually noticed that there aren't as many signs out there, which was a little surprising, it’s kind of sad.”

Alec Schwartz said a heated Board of Education race and the upcoming implementation of the International Baccalaureate program a year ago caused a lot more interest in the vote.

“I think there was a little more promotion, I see less signs up,” Schwartz said before voting at . “Maybe there was a lot more noise last year because of the high school and the change in program as well?”

Although there was a stream of voters at , Sarah Sachse said she couldn't help but notice how quickly she was able to cast her vote.

“Usually if I’m turning in here there’s people in front of me or behind me turning in when it’s voting day," she said. "I didn’t see many people.”

Sheena Mendes said she thinks people have been more focused on the upcoming presidential election, letting the local school vote pass without as much interest.

“Sometimes people just aren’t thinking about it necessarily as much,” she said. “I think right now there’s so much focus on the big picture—who is running against Obama—that sometimes the little things slip by the wayside and that’s not good for our little communities and towns, it’s not good.”

But those who spoke with Patch at the polls in the afternoon said the rain outside wasn't enough to keep them from participating. The biggest concerns they cited were school programs and balancing costs with the needs of Harrison's children.

The school district's would raise taxes 3.08 percent if approved. According to administrators, it spares current programming with staffing cuts making up a bulk of the cost reductions from a year ago.

An estimated $1.6 million was saved from a year ago through a retirement incentive program and the elimination of 10.4 vacant positions, but administrators say class sizes will remain the same because of a slight dip in enrollment. Voters will decide today if the cuts were enough for their approval.

Anna Forgione, whose son is a first grader at Preston Elementary, said she was following the budget closely to make sure the school's extracurricular activities weren't cut. She came out to support the budget because she fears if it doesn't pass some of the programs her son uses could be in jeopardy.

“Taxes are going to go up anyway, you want the best for the kids and that’s really what counts,” she said. “There is that whole big fear of the taxes and people don’t get it, they don’t understand, what needs to be stressed is that it’s for the kids and that’s the whole thing.”

Schwartz said he was happy to hear the school district's proposed budget is slightly below to state's 2 percent tax levy cap, but said he would support the budget no matter what.

"For me, it's a no-brainer, no matter what the budget is my vote is yes," he said after voting at Harrison Avenue School. “I think all the extra programs that they offer is of up most importance to me and my family and more importantly the kids’ experience in the school.”

Tobi Rogowsky shared the same feelings, saying she was there to support the district even though her kids have already graduated from Harrison.

"You've got to help out," she said. "It's important to keep the schools healthy."

Polls are open Tuesday until 9 pm. and results will be announced later in the evening. We will have them here as soon as they are available.