Early voting in the September 10 primary got off to a start last Wednesday with 31 turning out to City Hall to cast ballots.  As of Monday afternoon, 114 had cast early ballots.  Early voting  from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. continues on weekdays up until the day before the primary when the polls close at 4 p.m.

 It was a smooth start to an election season for the Warwick Board of Canvassers  that unlike other municipalities is entering the season with sufficient workers to staff all 34 polls.  To run the primary, the city needs 204 workers and an additional 68 for the general election.

Warwick’s director of elections, Krista Tracy, noted however, “ We’re always seeking workers” and urged those interested in serving to submit their names.

Poll workers are paid $190 for the day while supervisors, moderators and clerks make $225. Workers are asked to report at 6 a.m. in order to be prepared for the opening of polls at 7. Polls close at 8 p.m. and workers wind up the day by 8:30.

The drive to find workers has been boosted by advertising as well as a word or two from the pulpit at some parishes.  Poll workers must be registered voters, able to read the Constitution and not convicted  of a felony.

In addition to voting early in person, registered voters can also vote by mail. Tracy urged voters to go online and apply for a ballot that will be mailed to them. The completed ballots can be dropped off at the Board of Elections drop box outside City Hall, at the Board office or at any of the city’s polling locations on primary day. 

Primary contests on the local ballot include Ward 7, Senate District 29 and at large seats for the School Committee. In the case of the School Committee, five candidates are vying for two seats. The four candidates with the greatest number of votes will be on the November ballot. The only primary on the state ballot is that of Raymond McKay and Patricia Morgan for the Republican nomination to run  against incumbent Democrat Jack Reed.