Turnout Low at Cranberry Polls for 2013 Primary Election

There were no lines Tuesday as Cranberry voters turned out in low numbers for the 2013 primary election.

With this being a non-presidential election year (when many residents turn out to vote), it was slow going at Cranberry’s polls—although Earl Grubbs said it should be just the opposite.

The Judge of Elections at the Cranberry East I polling location at the Cranberry fire station on Route 19, Grubbs pointed out this year’s election puts into office the people whose decision affect residents most—including township officials and school board members.

These candidates often determine tax rates, draft new ordinances and review the businesses that enter the community.

“It’s sad that people don’t seem to realize that,” Grubbs said.

Locally, three residents were running for Cranberry Township’s Board of Supervisors for the seat being vacated by Supervisor Dave Root.

Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company President Bruce Hezlep and Seneca Valley School Board member Eric Gordon are vying for the Republican nomination.

Hezlep was victorious Tuesday night and will face off against the Democratic contender, Michael Warrington, in the fall general election.

Warrington was the only candidate running on the Democratic ballot.

Both Hezlep and Gordon were outside the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, where four polls are located, talking to voters Tuesday and handing out literature.

They were joined by Jon Galante, the Republican candidate for Butler County’s jury commissioner and Tim Hester, who, after cross-filing, successfully earned the Democratic and Republican nomination for the Seneca Valley School Board Tuesday night.

Also on hand were representatives for Judi Rexford, who ran against Hester for Seneca Valley School Board, and Pat Stirling, who vyed against incumbent Galante for the Republican nomination as Butler County jury commissioner.

Gordon and Hezlep both said arrived at the polls when they opened at 7 a.m. and stayed there until they closed at 8 p.m. Hezlep added he has to duck out a little early around 7:30 p.m. for his monthly firefighters meeting.

“It’s a great day for people to come out,” he said.

Despite the light crowd at the polls, Gordon said he was pleased many voters remembered him from when he went door to door in Cranberry campaigning.

“It’s going fantastic,” he said Tuesday.

For more primary election results, click here.

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