Ward 10 Alderman Allan Brison and his challenger, Justin Elicker FES ’10 SOM ’10, have been stationed at the Ward 10 polling place since the polls opened at 6 a.m. The two have set up tents at the polling station with their volunteers, and both said they plan to spend the rest of the day at the polls talking to voters.

Both Brison and Elicker expressed satisfaction with voter turnout so far. The battle for the Ward 10 aldermanic seat is one of the most contested races in New Haven this election cycle, and Brison and Elicker said they believe the competitiveness of this race has drawn more voters to the polls than usual.

Both candidates cast their votes early this morning.

Marie Morgan, who came to the polls this morning, said she came out to vote in order to support her local politicians and to voice her opinion on the economy and government social services.

“We think it’s really important to be in touch with city government,” she said.

Other voters said certain political issues, or their confidence in the character of one of the candidates, drew them to the polls at Wilbur Cross High School.