Hampton Roads Poll Workers Report Sparse Turnout on Super Tuesday

Election workers across Hampton Roads said turnout was slow through midday Tuesday as Virginia held its presidential primary. Several told WTKR News 3 that the numbers were "low," and in some areas "very low." Some workers said residents tend not to turn out for primaries.

In Virginia Beach, some voters were confused to find the doors locked at the Voter Registration and Election building. Phyllis Stewart said she assumed she could vote there again because she had done so last year. "People have been coming here, trying to vote, the doors are locked and they leave," she said. "So this is why we'll probably have a low turn out in Virginia Beach."

The city's registrar explained that the building served as an early voting site. On primary day, voters had to go to their assigned precincts.

As of noon, Virginia Beach had recorded 13,164 voters, and the registrar said the city appeared to be heading toward roughly 10 percent turnout. Portsmouth was looking at about 5 percent as of 3 p.m., and Chesapeake expected between 5 and 7 percent by the end of the day. Suffolk reported that its largest precinct had seen 351 voters by noon. Norfolk and other cities said they would not have figures until voting ended.

Those who did go to the polls said they were not discouraged. "Well, I always vote," said Joseph Genco of Virginia Beach. "I wouldn't imagine missing it. It's my obligation as a citizen." Peggy Taylor, also of Virginia Beach, said she was set on casting a ballot. "Unless they are going to do it tomorrow, they are going to get my vote," she said.

Voters gave a mix of reasons for choosing their candidates. Some mentioned supporting President Joe Biden, while others backed former President Donald Trump. Rose Ward said of Trump: "I just think he did so well for us before, and I have 100% faith in him, and I really do in my heart believe he cares about the United States of America."

Others pointed to specific issues. Pete Spooner, who said he emigrated from England in 1974 and "did it the right way," named border security and immigration as his priorities. Steven Spooner cited school funding and teacher pay. "Most heroes from my childhood are my teachers," he said.

Voters also spoke about why casting a ballot matters. "It's an opportunity to let your thoughts and concerns be known," said Anthony Stanton of Virginia Beach. Taylor put it more bluntly: "You can't complain if you're not going to vote."

In Virginia's primary, voters were choosing their parties' presidential nominees. Democrats had three names on the ballot, and Republicans had six.