2 p.m.: Big problems being reported in Concord Township. Heated disputes between Save the Valley members and poll workers over signs. Delco judge asked to rule. Now a large confrontation reported at polling place at Calvary Chapel Church, Routes 1 and 202. Save the Valley proponent refusing orders apparently because his name was not listed on the injunction issued by Delco judge.
1:15 p.m.: Nice to see some things don't change. Usual antics in tiny Colwyn Borough this morning. From what I can tell, the judge of elections resigned shortly after the polls opened. Paula Brown is on the scene shooting video, which of course always draws a strong reaction. Can someone tell me how a tiny, postage stamp-sized borough like this continue to have these kinds of problems. I'll probably hear from Fred Lesher again. He thinks we always dump on the borough and never note that most of the problems took place before his faction took control of borough council.
12:45: p.m.: Another polling place complaint. This time in Chester. Visually impaired woman says she does not like the way she gets treated at the Chester Fire House polling station across from Stinson Towers.
11:30 a.m.: So what is the turnout so far. If you're headed to the polls, let us know what you see. What number were you in your precinct? Don't sit on the sidelines. Be part of our coverage. Tweet what you see with the hashtag #delcovote.
10:30 a.m.: Here's an interesting dilemma in Chester. If state Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, D-159, wins the mayor's race, and with the likelihood that state Sen. Dominic Pileggi, R-9, wins a seat on the Delco bench, Chester will be looking to send two new faces to Harrisburg. Who do you think would be in line to run for Kirkland's seat? It would be very interesting to see who the GOP nominates, with a real shot at winning a seat that Kirkland and the Democrats have held for a long time.
On the other hand, I'm hearing that state Rep. Steve Barrar, R-160, would be interested in running for Pileggi's Senate seat.
10 a.m.: Time for predictions: Jack Whelan will be re-elected district attorney of Delaware County. OK, that was too easy. He was running unopposed. How about these: The Delco GOP will sweep all three seats on County Council, once again turning away a Democratic challenge and keeping their ironclad grip on the courthouse. If you're looking for a Dem victory, look to Chester. Longtime state Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland will best former Republican Mayor Wendell Butler. You heard it here first.
9:30 a.m.: A polling place complaint from Briarcliffe. Harry Brubaker says this is the second time in the last year or so where the polling booth at the Briarcliffe Fire Station - has not opened on time. "This makes it extremely difficult to be able to schedule time to perform my civic duty,"Brubaker said. "Perhaps they should post their hours as 7 or so until?"
8:45 a.m.: Here's a little Election Day trivia to pull at your polling place. As you are walking in - but before you vote - ask them to name one candidate who is running for the state Supreme Court. Thought so.
8:25 a.m.: Time for a contest: What's your prediction for turnout in Delco. Andy Reilly and David Landau, the Republican and Democratic party leaders, are thinking 25-30 percent. I'm going lower. I'll say 22 percent. What's your prediction. Post it in our live blog by using the Twitter hashtag #delcovote.
8 a.m.: Some traditions die hard. Josephine Horton reports from Concord that lawn signs for incumbent Supervisor Kevin O'Donohue disappeared overnight. She had called yesterday to report some more serious incidents. We weren't able to confirm those.
We get these calls every election season. In some neighborhoods, especially those with heated contests, as soon as signs go up, they start disappearing. We usually don't do much with them unless there is a criminal charge filed, and it rarely rises to that level.
Development is the big issue in Concord, and it has drawn passionate responses on both sides. In particular has been the fiery debate concerning the possible development of one of the township's last large tracts of open space in what is referred to as the Beaver Valley.
Horton has lived in Concord since 1969, when it was the "boonies," as she put it. She notes that every person who has moved into the township since has suddenly decided there should be no more development - once they moved in.
We'll keep an eye on the heated situation out in Concord. Horton fears she's going to be taxed out of her house. She think development will ease the burden on home owners.
7:45 a.m.: What do kids in the Upper Darby School District have in common with those folks who work at the Media Courthouse? They both have off for election day.
7:30 a.m.: Problem at the polls? Call 610-891-4673. For voter registration issues, call 610-891-4673.
7:15 a.m.: Looking for an excuse not to exercise your constitutional right to vote? Don't look at the weather for help after a chilly start, we're headed to 71 degrees later today. And it's going to stay that way all week.
*
7 a.m.: And they're off! It's 7 a.m. and polls are now open in Delco and Pa. So who is the first person to cast a ballot in Delco? Post your selfie with the hashtag #delcovote and take part in our live coverage. We'll be live all day!
*
6:45 a.m.: 15 minutes until polls open. What are the big races in Delco? Voters will fill three seats on County Council. Republican incumbents John McBlain, Colleen Morrone and Michael Culp are being opposed by Democratic challengers Christine Reuther, Sharon Booker and Richard Womack. In Chester, they will be electing a new mayor. Longtime Democrat state Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland beat Mayor John Linder in the primary. He is opposed by former Mayor Wendell Butler, who is coming out of retirement to seek his old job.
There is a heated battle for Rose Tree Media School Board, where spending and Superintendent Jim Wigo have caused concerns. And Upper Darby has races for both council and the school board.
*
6:30 a.m.: 30 minutes until the polls open. I used out editorial page today to question whether Pa. voters are sufficiently motivated by a four-month budget standoff in Harrisburg, and the sleaze that has enveloped the attorney general's office and judiciary to actually go out and vote. You can read it here.
*
6 a.m.: Welcome to Election Day 2015, otherwise known as the day when Delco Democrats like to talk about how they now have more registered voters, and Republicans brag they actually get more people to the polls.
Once again the Heron's Nest will be here all day to give you the latest on what is going on - or more likely today not going on - at Delaware County polling places.
The polls in Pennsylvania will not be open for another hour. You can cast your vote from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most of the state will not bother. Very light turnout is expected, despite a historic race that will see voters fill three vacancies on the state Supreme Court. Two of those openings are a result of scandal or conviction.
Here in Delco the ballot is highlighted by three races for three seats on County Council, which has been all-Republican since the Home Rule Charter was enacted back in the '70s, and the battle for mayor in Chester.
Once again we want our readers to take part in our live coverage. Tell us what you are seeing at the polls. Give us your number if you are casting your ballot. Alert us of any issues. Send us your pictures and video.
You can take part in the blog on Twitter by using the hashtag #delcovote.
*
Here's a look at some of our coverage in the Daily Times today:
- We talked to some citizens to see what has piqued their interest in this election.
- County party leaders are working to push their turnout in this off-year municipal election.
- Editorial: Are Pa. voters mad enough to go out to the polls?
*
Make sure you follow our Live Election Day blog all day here.
Comments