Polls open for New Castle County special election

The Presidency of New Castle County is on the line today, as polling places open for a special election to replace Paul Clark.  Clark became County Executive in November, when Chris Coons was sworn in as Delaware’s newest U.S. Senator. 

9th district council member Tim Sheldon is the Democratic candidate, and is employed as a pension manager for a bricklayers’ union.  Republican hopeful Tom Kovach, an attorney, served two years as a State Representative.

The two have sparred during a short campaign over who is best equipped to lead the 13-member council.  Although registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by about 197,000 to 102,000, Republican candidates have won several recent special elections.

Two other candidates are also on the ballot:  Libertarian James Christina and the Blue Enigma Party’s Jeffrey Brown.

Polls are open until 8:00 p.m. (click here to locate your polling place).  Although turnout may be sparse, nearly all regular polling places are staffed for a special election that is expected to cost nearly $500,000. 

Anyone with questions about the voting procedure may call the New Castle County Elections Department at 302-577-3464.