November 6, 2012 at 4:33 PM

At 3 p.m. on Election Day at The College Highs School almost 50 percent of the registered voters in the district came through to vote, said Ruth Merritt, Judge of Election for Precinct 17 in State College.

“It’s been steady, pretty busy and we know that it will get even busier later,” Merritt said.

Merritt said that during a presidential election year they usually see about 70 to 80 percent turnout from registered voters. The highest time for turnout is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Merritt said, so the busy period is ahead.

Merritt said Election Day is an exciting and busy day for her that starts early in the morning and ends late at night.

She credits a group of five officials who keep things non-partisan at the precinct for allowing things to run smoothly.

Suzann Todesco, an inspector at the precinct, said she feels it is important for people to get out and exercise their right to vote.

“It is our right to vote, and the only way to protect our rights is to exercise them,” Todesco said.

She said being an inspector is a way for her to get to know her neighbors and be a part of the community.

With the busy time ahead of them, the two women and the rest of their team are ready to help their community do their civic duty and vote.