Tuesday's primary was the first time that 18-year-old Fairfielder Sam White voted. But that was not the end of his political contributions. White sat outside of Osborn Hill School, the District 4 polling center, campaigning for Rob Merkle, who is trying to be the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress.
Meanwhile, in the Greenfield Hill section of town, Peter Raymond of Fairfield spent the day outside of Timothy Dwight School, also supporting Merkle. Raymond, arrived at 7:30 a.m. and was still going strong at 3 p.m., with a lunch break in between. He said he is "optimistic" but knows it is tough for an outsider candidate like Merkle to win. Dan Debicella received the party's nomination and Merkle petitioned his way onto the ballot. Raymond said he has to "believe, or what would be the point?"
Election officials across town said White and Raymond were mostly the exception to the rule when it came to campaigning on a quiet primary day, with no local positions at stake. Most polling centers have seen about 10 percent of voters as of 3 p.m. With five hours left, the town was on pace to reach somewhere near the typical 20 percent for primaries, officials said. A slow trickle of voters in the morning carried over into the afternoon.
Both White and Raymond met Merkle in person and were hooked by his Republican values. White called Merkel "the real deal," and said his opponents in the primary, Dan Debicella and Rick Torres, are not true Republicans. White said primaries are often seen as "low priority," but felt this year's was important because the Republican Party needs to "cleanse" itself.
Polls close at 8 p.m. There are several state and local primaries on the ballots. Republicans will pick candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general as well as U.S. Representative for the 4th District and the U.S. Senate. Democrats are voting on a gubernatorial candidate, as well as secretary of the state, lieutenant governor and comptroller.
For where to vote, see the town's voter information site.
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