Berlin voters follow state, national trends

Berlin went for Obama, Larson, DeFronzo, Abercrombie, and Aresimowicz on Election Day Nov. 4 and those local votes appeared to be in line with prevailing trends.

The following numbers from the registrars of voters are preliminary and uncertified. Presidential candidate Barack Obama beat out John McCain with a tally of 6,028 to 4,957.

Independent Ralph Nader received 142 votes. Obama won Connecticut and all six New England states. National indicators at press time made it all but certain the Democrats would have new leadership in the White House and also dominate the legislative branch.

Berlin Registrar of Voters Elizabeth Tedeschi said there were no problems reported at the town's five voting districts. Numerous reports from voters at Berlin polls reported steady traffic, but no major lines or delays.

Incumbent state Rep. Joe Aresimowicz ran unopposed for his District 30 seat, He received 4,545 votes.

Incumbent state Rep. Catherine Abercrombie received 2,699 votes in Berlin and in Meriden 3,973. She will retain her seat representing the 83rd District against Republican challenger Kevin Scarpati who earned 1,361 votes in Berlin and 1,805 in Meriden.

U.S. Rep. John Larson, Democrat incumbent for the 1st Congressional Representative beat out challengers Republican Joe Visconti and Green Party candidate Stephen Fournier by a wide margin. The vote in Berlin was; Larson 5,684: Visconti 2,926: Fournier 228.

In early results, Democrat Donald J. DeFronzo, the incumbent running for State Senator for the 6th District was winning over his GOP opponent Thomas A. Bozek, by more than a two to one margin. The vote in Berlin was 6,120 to 4,088.

Registrar of Voters Republican Elizabeth A. Tedeschi and Democrat Charles W. Warner will retain their positions. Tedeschi received 4,778 votes and Warner 4,527.

The non-partisan Board of Education had three openings and three candidates. They received tehfollowing votes:  Irene H. Matulis 5,109, Michael E. Baczewski 4,855, and Anthony G. Recck, 4,827.

Numbers for the registrar of voters and board of education were not immediately available.

On the question of convening a constitutional convention, the statewide trend was against it.  BErlin voted 5,856 against it and 4,131 for it.

On the question in regards to lowering the voting age to 17 in the primary for those who will turn 18 by the election, the statewide trend was in favor of the measure. Berlin voted 5,929 for Question 2 and 3,789 against it.

See The Citizen's website for updates.