Democracy's Beating the Heat in Lexington

Town Clerk Donna Hooper says things going quite well today, June 25, in Lexington as voters here and across Massachusetts cast ballots to decide on the commonwealth's next US Senator.

Voter turnout has been steady, despite the heat, as residents turn out to support Democrat Ed Markey or Republican Gabriel Gomez ... or Richard Heos of the Twelve Visions party.

“Seems to be constant, steady. Not a rush but a constant interest in voters," said Hooper. “Even with the hot weather, people seem to be taking it in stride and be energized."

Speaking with Patch around 2:30 p.m., Hooper estimated the town could hit 40 to 50 percent voter turnout. That would be a fairly strong number, considering the concerns about turnout Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin shared publicly not long ago.

While voters weren't deterred by the heat, Hooper said there have been fewer folks out holding campaign signs compared to other elections. As well, the town has put out fans and provided extra water and fresh fruit for election workers -- six of the polling places are not air conditioned.