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There are 3,001 votes and counting in the council president race, which saw Don Abbatiello defeat incumbent Frank Gunsallus. Tuesday night, Abbatiello held a decisive 2,025- to 976-vote lead.

The previous record for voter turnout in a municipal election came in the 2023 mayoral contest, according to town officials. In that election, 2,578 residents cast a vote in the competitive mayoral race, which was won by current Mayor Megan Cook.

Around 230 absentee ballots remain to be counted Wednesday, election supervisor Ed Forte said.

In Ward 2, Robert Rankin won the seat being vacated by Abbatiello. Rankin earned 493 votes Tuesday, a decisive lead over opponent Lynn Keefe’s 228.

In Ward 4, incumbent the Rev. Elmer Davis has a sizable lead. Davis has 253 votes, with Cameron Keefe in second with 128 and Moonyene Jackson-Amis third with 103.

Residents began coming out to the Easton Volunteer Fire Department once polls opened at 7 a.m, and the steady pace continued through much of the day. 

The town’s Board of Canvassers will tally absentee ballots Wednesday and then formally certify the election.

Both in the morning and afternoon, the line for residents from Ward 3 stretched to outside the voting hall.

At one point early Tuesday afternoon, the line for voters went past the indoor lobby all the way to the outside doors of the building.

Tuesday evening, the turnout continued to be steady as many residents navigated a crowded parking lot to perform their civic duty.

Inside the fire hall, Forte and election judges swiftly assisted voters who were unsure of which wards they live in. Election judge Mariana Lesher called it a “crazy� good turnout.

All seven candidates were at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department Tuesday to speak with voters.

Abbatiello, Davis and Rankin stood next to one another under a tent in the lawn outside the fire hall. Gunsallus was set up with his own tent next to them.

Jackson-Amis had a table and chair set up next to the tents on the lawn. Lynn and Cameron Keefe, mother and son, stood next to cars in the parking lot to greet voters as they entered and exited.

Lynn Keefe said the campaign has been a great experience and that she’s thankful for all who came out to vote. She said no matter who wins, it’s important to be respectful.

“It’s been a whirlwind,� she said of the recent weeks campaigning.

Since it began, the election cycle has seen stolen and vandalized campaign signs, tense debates on campaign finance transparency and, most recently, political mailers from Republican-endorsed candidates calling out Mayor Megan Cook.

Resident Carolyn Coon voted Tuesday morning. She said the importance of this election brought her to the polls. Coon said Easton “needs civility back in place.�

“I think the council’s been disjointed,� Coon said. She added that misinformation during the campaign cycle — coming from “one side,� she said — has hurt and divided the town.

“I think it’s been really sleazy,� Coon said.

Jason Bell stood at the corner of Leonard Rieck Drive and North Aurora Street Tuesday morning, where vehicles turned into the parking lot. He held a large American flag and a Gunsallus sign.

Bell said he was optimistic about the voter turnout and hoped everyone would come out and vote.

“I’m supporting America,� Bell said of his support for Gunsallus.

Across from the main entrance, fire department volunteers mingled among themselves. Former fire chief Sonny Jones said he believes the high turnout can be attributed to residents being “fed up with partisan politics.�

Endorsements from the Talbot County Republican Central Committee, as well as within the Town Council itself, have come under scrutiny in recent weeks.

Jones is a supporter of Abbatiello, saying his fellow firefighter “brings common sense� and civility to town government.

“He’s an all-around, genuinely decent guy,� Jones said.