Butler County’s turnout for primaries spans young and old
Butler County residents practiced their constitutional right to vote for local and statewide candidates in the primary election on Tuesday, May 16. Winners will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.
Nino Welsh, 18, of Butler Township, said it was his second time voting. An aspiring state trooper, he said he was drawn by pro-police candidates.
Others, such as Worth Township resident Laura Mansfield and her husband of 55 years have been voting for decades, said they are invested in local representation of the township.
“I’ve noticed that with some of the candidates, they’re more concerned with Butler, not Butler County,” Shari Kreutz, Worth Township secretary, said.
Citing the importance of broadband connectivity and access, Kreutz explained that it’s one of many local issues that is lost on some candidates running for county commissioner.
“I don’t know if the candidates understand the impact that it will have for northern communities,” Kreutz said. “I don’t feel they have the whole county in mind.”
“I see the local end of it, and it’s very important that you get people in the local offices and in the county offices that understand they’re working for the people,” she added. “I think you need to have some experience in local government. Being an auditor, being a supervisor, being on the planning commission - something to get you in the door to understand the local aspect of it and how it works before you jump into a county position.”
According to statistics gathered by the Pennsylvania Department of State, just a little over 13% of registered voters in Butler County cannot vote in the primary municipal elections today, as they are not registered Republicans or Democrats.
While general elections usually see a wider turnout than local races, the results of Tuesday’s primary election will narrow down candidates for county office, townships, Supreme Court, local councils and school districts.
“I haven’t missed the vote in 25 years,” Butler Township resident Dan Page said. “I think everybody should exercise their right in a free voting society. I’m surprised that more people don’t actually support the idea of making it a holiday.”
