Voter turnout only 26 percent, no polling place snakes reported

Voter turnout for the Consolidated Election was low at 26 percent, perhaps not so surprising as a thunderstorm rolled through midday, disrupting power in certain polling places.

"I was going to be happy with 30 percent. I thought some of the contested races would get them out," County Clerk Kim Buchanan said.

Turnout was 26 percent.

The Long Branch Townhouse experienced a power outage along with area homes. The polling place at Harrisburg High School also had an outage. Voting machines were unaffected as they are equipped with a two-hour battery supply, Buchanan said.

Spring in some of the rural polling places is an unpredictable time of year, but Buchanan was relieved to report no snakes were spotted in any of the buildings this year. Lady bugs and wasps emerging from their winter hibernacula were a bit disconcerting, but comprised the only discomforts from the natural world.

Flooded lowland fields greeted drivers as they made their way around the countryside. Buchanan said the route from Long Branch Township to Rector Township was adventurous with water threatening roadways.