Jackson Cruises to Second Term [Updated]

Mayor Scott Jackson has handily beat his opponents and will serve another two years in the town's top seat.

Unofficial results put the mayor on top with 7,543 votes to Republican Matthew Corcoran's 2,293 and independent candidate Charles Baltayan's 536.

As the numbers quickly rolled in after the polls closed at 8 p.m., it became apparent that not only would the mayor win, but he would win big.

"The people are intelligent, they ask tough questions and you give them honest answers," Jackson told the dozens of supporters that packed the Whitney Avenue headquarters. "They deserve to hear the truth and what we are doing in a tough economy, what we are doing to get the best education [system] we can.

"They are listening to what council members are saying about the fiscal state of this town and what they are doing so people can stay here in town," Jackson said.

Perhaps the most excitement was for newcomer Scott Harris Jr., who beat inclumbent Republican Lynn Campo in the Ninth District.

"There was a time when me and Michael [D'Agostino] and Adam [Sendroff] were the young guys, but this board says we are ready for intergenerational leaders," he said, gesturing to the tote boards with the results written on them.

And he was happy with his own election, Jackson said.

"I am so proud that I can spend the next two years as your mayor," he said.

Two Upsets

Preliminary numbers show that Democrat Scott Harris Jr. has unseated incumbent Republican Councilwoman Lynn Campo in the Ninth District and and Democrat Harry Gagliardi has beat incumbent Republican Councilman Gabe Lupo in the Second District.

Anticipation is Heightening

With two minutes to go before the 8 p.m. poll closing, anticipation is building at Democratic Headquarters on Whitney Avenue where party members have gathered to hear the results.

At the Miller Memorial Library, site of the First District polls, there was a "steady trickle" of voters all day, according to poll workers. Only about 27 percent of registered voters in that district turned out to cast a ballot, they said.

Normally between 800-1,000 of the Third District voters cast a vote for local candidates at the . As of 2 p.m., only 360 of a potential 2,700 had.

John Peccerillo, assisant registrar of voters, said this pace indicates a “pretty normal turnout.”

“We’ll start seeing people after 5 p.m,” he said.

The polls close at 8 p.m.

Turnout Low, Business Good on Election Day [4:15 p.m.]

Voters haven’t been out in full force at Hamden’s polling stations, but the sixth grade bake sale at l is doing swift business. Their table outside the polls offered a selection of fudge, cookies, cupcakes and other goodies for hungry voters.

“People have been more than generous,” said Karen Alexander, a parent and one of the event’s organizers.

The money goes towards an end of the year field trip to Boston, including a stop at the Boston aquarium.

While cupcakes are in on Election Day, things have been slower when it comes to voting. Vera Morrison, the incumbent town clerk, has been canvassing polling places throughout town all day.

“It’s been a very quiet election. Most voters are probably focused on 2012 [presidential] election,” she said.

Part of the reason for the slow turnout, she said, is because there was no primary, so voters weren’t as aware as they could have been.

Her democratic colleague Michael Claiacovo, a candidate for councilman, expects more people to show up after work.

“It’s been steady but a little quieter than usual,” he said at 3:30 p.m.

Steady Stream at West Woods

There were no lines but there was a steady stream of voters filing into West Woods School around 2:30 Tuesday afternoon.

"It was very busy this morning," one poll worker reported. "It's been steady all day."

But one campaign worker outside the school said it hasn't been too impressive a turnout.

"It's been pretty light," he said. "Not too heavy."

Lines at Some, Empty at Others

A quick survey this morning of several polling locations showed lines at several of them, while others are fairly empty. So far, as of noon, none of the polls visited have reported any problems.

This afternoon at 4:30 Linda McMahon is scheduled to visit the West Woods School polling station. 

Documenting Democracy

After months of planning and weeks of campaigning, candidates from the two political parties, as well as the independent candidate for mayor, will find out today the will of the people as residents head to the polls to vote for local officies.

In addition to the three candidates for mayor, also on the ballot is seats on the Legislative Council, the Board of Education and the Town Clerk.

In some cases -- specifically, several council district seats and that of the Town Clerk -- there is only one candidate for the position and their election is assured. In other cases, incumbents are facing lively challenges.

Hamden Patch will be updating this article throughout the day with information and pics from polls, voter turnout numbers, results and reactions. We'll also be breaking news on Facebook and Twitter.

You can help document this day of democracy in action. Are there lines at the polls? Girl Scouts selling cookies? Candidates greeting voters? Friendly poll monitors? Share your pics and videos (click the green "submit your photos and videos" link), and your observations and thoughts in the comments below.