CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) — With several key local elected seats up for grabs, officials aren’t sure what to expect for voter turnout in Clarion County today.

(Photo by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media Photography)

While so-called “off-year” primary elections traditionally see a low turnout — often with less than 20% of registered voters casting a vote — today’s election may be different.

Clarion County residents have more key local positions up for grabs this year than any of our surrounding counties, with the Common Pleas Judge, the District Attorney, and the County Commissioners all on the ballot, plus District Magisterial Judges in two areas of the county.

“I’m not really sure what to estimate,” Clarion County Director of Elections Cindy Callihan told exploreClarion.com.

“As far as what we’re hearing from absentee voters now, there seems to be a lot of interest. It seems to be the county and judicial races that have everyone interested in the election.”

In Venango County, with fewer key positions on the ballot — the County Commissioners seats are being contested between two incumbents and five challengers — officials still aren’t sure what to expect in terms of turnout.

“We’re just hoping everyone gets out there and votes and hoping for a good turnout,” Venango County Elections Coordinator Jamie Kirkwood said.

Being optimistic, Jefferson County Director of Elections Karen Lupone is anticipating a good turnout.

“I’m always the optimist. Some people have a different opinion because it is what they consider an off election, but I don’t look at it that way,” said Lupone.

“I would be happy with more than 19 percent, but I’m thinking it’ll probably hover around 19. We do have one race that’s hotly contested, so I’d like to see more people come out for that.”

Polls are open on election day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For additional information on polling locations, check the Department of State Polling Place Search Tool.