New Baltimore Voters Decide on Charter Revision

A big ballot issue in New Baltimore didn't guarantee high voter turnout Tuesday afternoon.

The , which has been greeted by proponents and critics, didn't necessarily translate to precinct foot traffic.

At Precinct One inside the Recreation Center on Washington Street, there were 53 ballots cast in person from 7 a.m. to noon. Precinct Two, also in the rec center, saw 65 in-person ballots during that time frame. Each precinct has more than 1,000 registered voters, some of whom opt for absentee ballots, according to election officials.

Election workers were hopeful the crowd would pick up throughout the day and into the evening.

"I'd like to see a good voter turnout; that's always a good thing," said Election Official Jim Morisette.

Longtime resident John Dupray was among the voters to cast his ballot inside the center.

"I always vote when I can," Dupray, former councilman and active community member, said.

He said he favored the charter revision proposal.

"I think that to is a good idea and I think that a commission to look into revising the charter should be passed," he said.

Derek Harm, who's lived in the city for a year, agrees.

"I think the last one (charter) was in '73, so it's probably time to look at it. Things change," Harm said.

Outside the center, residents Dorothy and Bill Bade, along with their dog Lady, campaigned for Greg Stone.

They said they do not favor a charter revision in the city.

"We're not for the revision of the charter at this time because I think they're opening a door where they really don't know where it's going to lead," Dorothy Bade said.

Meanwhile, at the Chesterfield Township precinct inside , 32 voters showed between 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are 1,007 registered voters in that precinct, some of whom are absentee. 

Township Deputy Clerk Eric Wurmlinger said Tuesday afternoon that at least six percent of the township voters have turned in absentee ballots.

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