The Augustine family visiting the polls; from left, Charlotte, Adam and Elizabeth

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — “Things have gone smoothly and without too much fuss,” according to Paul Berkey, Republican Inspector for the Claypool primary elections.

As of noon, Tuesday, May 3, the Claypool registered voter turnout was 32 percent for Clay I and 22 percent for Clay II, with the day ending at Clay I with 43.6 percent and Clay II at 33.3 percent.

According to Connie Morgan, Democratic Poll Judge, “Clay II consists of citizens living in town and Clay I are the citizens that live in the more rural areas of the township.” The township population is divided in half; the larger rural land mass is to offset the population of the town.

Most of the poll workers were first-timers, with one first-time Republican Poll Judge carrying on the family tradition. Shayna Harman is a third generation poll worker, starting with her grandmother, her father, then her. “It’s my first year and I’m proud to be carrying on a family tradition,” said Harman.

The polls in Pierceton, according to Republic Poll Inspector Sharon Obregon, of Washington township district II, have been been steady since the 6 a.m. opening.

Unlike the Claypool polls, Pierceton was not able to give an approximate account of voters that came in because of the nonstop stream of voters.

David Taylor, Democratic Poll Judge, said he was told by the other, more experienced poll workers, the flow of voters usually slow down around 2-4 p.m., but this year it hasn’t slowed at all.