Coastal voters flocked to the polls for March’s municipal elections in far greater percentages than their mainland brethren.
Countywide turnout was a meager 12.3 percent, meaning roughly 1 of every 8 registered voters went to their precinct.
Manalapan, on the other hand, led other Palm Beach County municipalities with an impressive 61.7 percent turnout for two commissioner races.
“There must have been a lot of interest. Sixty-one percent is a wonderful thing,’’ county Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher said.
Manalapan Mayor Basil Diamond said his town traditionally has a high turnout but he was nonetheless ‘’very proud’’ of its pace-setting distinction.
“Most of our citizens know their neighbors, and most of us know the issues that are important in the town,’’ Diamond said. “It’s also very convenient . We’re a small community and we can get to the polls.’’
Elsewhere along the coast, South Palm Beach had a 31.4 percent turnout, Ocean Ridge was 30 percent, Gulf Stream was 44.2 percent in town and 72.4 percent in the unincorporated pocket it annexed, and Highland Beach was 24.1 percent.
Boca Raton lagged other ocean communities with 7.7 percent turnout citywide, but its coastal precinct No. 4188, at Fire Station 3 just south of Palmetto Park Road, came in stronger at 9.2 percent and precinct 4130, at the Marine Safety Building just south of Spanish River Boulevard, had 12.8 percent.
“I thought [the election] did generate some conversation about voter turnout and our election process,’’ Boca Raton Vice Mayor Susan Haynie said. “And I’m sure we’ll continue to have discussions about that, but that seems to be something that plagues every municipality.’’
Diamond said Manalapan voters tend to be experienced, civic-minded people. Candidates hold open houses to encourage dialogue among citizens, and the town sends reminder emails to encourage residents to vote.
“They’re motivated to keep this town not only the way it is in the sense of a great place to live, but to have it advance with the changing times,’’ Diamond said.
Turnout was lowest in Boynton Beach, where one commission race drew only 3.9 percent of eligible voters, Bucher said. She had no explanation why turnout was stronger closer to the Atlantic.
“I don’t know why,’’ Bucher said. ‘’I guess just some of the contests interested the communities.’’
Gulf Stream Town Clerk Rita Taylor said she could see a pattern as she scanned ballots, but still was amazed by the result: All 71 voters in the unincorporated county pocket voted in favor of being annexed into the town.
“I just wonder if that is not a record,’’ she said. “I don’t think any precinct ever voted 100 percent together. Who knows?’’
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