Voter Turnout Steady Throughout Westfield School District

After months of debate, today Westfield residents have the chance to vote for or against the $16.9 million bond referendum proposed by the Westfield Board of Education that would fund two multi-million dollar capital projects—district-wide roof repairs and a lighted turf field—bundled into one bond referendum. 

While turnout has been mixed, with voters coming out in large numbers at McKinley School and fewer at Jefferson, poll workers agreed that the overall response has been greater than for past school board elections.

While the bond referendum has been polarizing, poll workers unanimously agreed voters have been "polite and courteous."

James Zavetz, working the polls at McKinley School, said as of noon, voter turnout was "very high," but added that voters are keeping their opinions to themselves, respecting the signs that say no politicking within 100 feet of the polling entrance.

"They're pretty silent on how they're voting," Zavetz said.

Workers at Edison Intermediate School said they saw the biggest crowd between 7:30 and 9 a.m. and except voting to pick up again after school is dismissed. 

The turnout at Franklin School was deemed "slow and steady" by poll workers. 

Check back with Patch this evening for updated coverage of the special election.