2013 August Primary Sees Low Initial Voter Turnout in Trenton

Just seven percent of Trenton voters made it out to the polls as of 10:30 a.m. Tuesday for the 2013 August Primary, according to City Clerk Trish Gearhart.

Gearhart said she hopes voter activity will pick up at polling locations that house two precincts like the Westfield Activity Center and Kennedy Recreation Center.

Trenton residents Chris and Lynda Cullen faced the rain and made it to the polls Tuesday morning. The two said they wanted to vote for a council person who is willing to make him or herself available to the people of Trenton.

"We're hoping for a council person who is open to hear complaints and we can talk to anytime," Chris Cullen said.

Lynda Cullen said the former Riverside Hospital and the former McLouth Steel properties are issues she would like to see attacked by new council members.

The Cullen's live on Riverside Drive near the former hospital. Both feel optimistic about the future of the property, which had remained virtually untouched for more than 10 years--until the current owner began demolishing structures.

Two structures were demolished in July to prepare the site for future plans. Owner Iqbal Nasir plans to use the primary structures as office space and as a headquarters for one of his businesses.

"(It) felt good to see people working," Chris Cullen said.

There are three four-year term seats open on Trenton City Council and an unprecedented 10 people are running in the primary.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. Absentee ballots can be turned in at Trenton City Hall before 8 p.m.