It wasn’t a presidential election. It wasn’t even a midterm election, but the turnout at the local polling precincts was steady.

“I think it’s better than expected,” said Polk Township Supervisor Carl Heckman. He was running unopposed for a six-year term.

Heckman said he came out to the polling precinct at the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company to “say hello to the people.”

By 1:22 p.m., 688 people had already voted in Polk Township, an election employee said, and they expected to wrap up the night with more than 1,000 voters.

Over at the Chestnuthill Township polling precinct at the township’s park building, Nancy Parks, said, “It’s nice to see people come out to vote.” She was there to show support for her favorite candidates.

Parks said she was surprised with the steady number of people coming out to vote, and said there were still a few people confused about where their new voting precinct was located.

People who were used to casting their votes at the former West End Fire Company fire station on Route 715 in Brodheadsville are now assigned to the Park Building. The former fire house has been sold, and a new, larger fire station opened across the street.

As for why voters turned out for the election, Brittany Stenlake, a voter in Chestnuthill Township, said it was because “the little people matter first. We have to start in our own community to have real change.”

Erik Glissman, also over at Chestnuthill Township, said, “I actually think the local elections are more important because it effects your life more; it hits home.”

The polling precincts also had several supporters on hand to talk to voters about their candidates.

“I think it’s important for people to get involved,” said Shelli Bird, who was running unopposed for auditor of Ross Township and didn’t have to come out to encourage people to vote for her. “We’re here supporting our candidates.”

“Every vote counts,” said Ally Brown, who also was at the Ross Township Municipal Building precinct.

“We can’t complain if we don’t get out there and vote,” added Deb Modica, another supporter.

Jennifer Senter was over at Chestnuthill’s park building drumming up support — dressed as a bear.

The mascot for the Pleasant Valley School District is a bear, so Senter was there in support of school board candidate Denise Hopely, who is a retired business teacher from the school district.

“This bear cares,” Senter said, referring to Hopely. “She’s always been very school spirited and I felt it was very fitting. She’s an amazing person to support and I feel lucky to be in her circle.”

In addition to voters, candidates and candidate supporters, at least one precinct had food.

The Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary was on hand serving turkey platters, ham platters, soups, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and desserts.

Fern Smith, the vice president of the auxiliary, said business was sporadic, but she expected it to pick up at supper time.

“We’re always looking for new members,” she added.

The auxiliary is planning a breakfast with Santa Claus on Dec. 21. Smith said the auxiliary usually has a meeting the Monday after a breakfast.

For more information about the fire company, email polkfire35info@gmail.com.