Some voters defy expectations of low turnout

Voter turnout during today’s general election was expected to be dismal, but not everyone stayed home.

South Philadelphia resident Rita Pracuta was among those who cast a ballot. The reason: Democratic mayoral candidate Jim Kenney.

“I really believe he’s the real deal,” said Pracuta.

The former city councilman is expected to cruise to victory.

Center City resident Deborah Stauffer came out for a different race.

“This is a swing election for the Supreme Court. Every vote counts,” said Stauffer.

Three of the body’s seven’s seats are up for grabs.

Voters are also electing City Council and candidates for three row offices: city commissioners, register of wills and sheriff.

Democrats outnumber Republicans seven to one, which means most races were essentially decided during Pennsylvania’s May primary.

That leaves some voters wondering, what’s the point?

Others just don’t bother unless there’s a presidential election at the top of the ticket.

“I didn’t know there was anything to vote on today,” said Thomas Green while sitting in Washington Square Park. “I’m pretty out of the loop.”

Elizabeth and Thomas Green of South Philly say they don’t pay much attention to local politics and only vote in presidential elections. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

That’s something John Baker can’t understand.

JJohn Baker of Fairmount votes in nearly every election. He sees it as a duty and a privilege. (Emma Lee/WHYY) “There’s a lot of people in my family who don’t vote, and they always talk about politics and say how things should be different, but they don’t want to go out and make anything different,” said Baker.

Polls close at 8 p.m.