They were expecting more traffic at lunchtime. The team of poll workers at Hampden Meadows School said voting had been pretty consistent on Wednesday, Sept. 9 — Primary Day in Rhode Island. 

By about noon, 217 residents had already cast ballots at Hampden Meadows School, which is one of three polling locations. Most years, Barrington offers six polling locations, but because of the $250 million school construction project, officials consolidated the polls to three spots: Hampden Meadows, Barrington Middle School, and Barrington Town Hall.

Just as the poll workers had expected, more residents began arriving at Hampden Meadows School shortly after 12:05 p.m. In addition to checking in voters, the team of poll volunteers also explained that residents who are unaffiliated can vote in the Primary. They said they just need to select which Primary — Democrat or Republican. Another resident who stopped by to vote asked how he could disaffiliate from a party. The volunteers explained that process too. 

Outside the school, a small group of people held signs displaying candidates’ names. Steve Buka held two signs on the same frame — one was for Jason Knight, the Barrington resident and District 67 Representative who is running for RI Attorney General, while the other is for Nicole Jellinek, Knight’s wife who is running for the District 67 seat being vacated by her husband. 

“I’m hopeful,” Buka said, when asked about Knight’s and Jellinek’s chances of winning. “They’re hard-working. We’re fortunate to have them.”

While Buka stood under the shade of a birch tree in front of the school, he pointed out a voter who had just parked and was making her way to the polls. It was his wife, Dr. Lisa Denny. When asked what drew her out on Primary Day, she said “All politics are local,” adding that it is important people turn out and make the change happen that fits their values. 

Sen. Pam Lauria stood near the picnic tables in front of the school. She is running for re-election to the District 32 seat in the RI Senate and was unopposed in the Primary, but was still visiting all three towns she represents. She started the day in East Providence, had stopped in at Hampden Meadows, and was going to Bristol later in the day. 

Sen. Lauria said she has enjoyed her work at the Statehouse, especially the policy work. Sen. Lauria, a Democrat, said the job has grown more difficult with the challenges handed down by the federal government. She referenced cuts to SNAP benefits and Medicaid, adding that people have not experienced the worst of it yet. 

“It’s going to be devastating,” she said. 

Sen. Lauria said she was hoping — “begging” — people to come out to vote. 

“I’d love to see more people come out,” she said. 

Polling locations 

The school construction project in Barrington has forced a change in some of the polling locations for the Sept. 9 Primary. All voting for the Primary will take place at Barrington Middle School, Hampden Meadows School, and Barrington Town Hall.

Following is a list of the polling location changes:

• District 66-101: Usually votes at Barrington High School — now voting at Barrington Middle School

• District 66-102: Usually votes at Barrington Middle School — still voting at Barrington Middle School

• District 66-103: Usually votes at Nayatt School — now voting at Barrington Middle School

• District 67-104: Usually votes at Hampden Meadows School — still voting at Hampden Meadows School

• District 67-105: Usually votes at Sowams School — now voting at Hampden Meadows School

• District 67-106: Usually votes at Barrington Town Hall — now voting at Barrington Town Hall