In two of southern Kennebec County’s three cities, officials say turnout is low.

But in Gardiner, City Clerk Deirdre Berglund said as of 1:30 p.m. that 291 people had voted, representing 8 percent of the city’s registered voters.

She called turnout steady and believed it was due to a competitive Democratic primary for House District 59, serving Gardiner and Randolph. In that race, three Gardiner residents, Phil Barter, Harvey DeVane and Gay Grant are running. 

Augusta City Clerk Barbara Wardwell said between Augusta’s four wards and three voting locations, about 500 had voted as of 2:15 p.m. She was estimating 500 votes at each ward by night’s end, which would be 15 percent, but is tracking lower. 

In Hallowell, City Manager Michael Starn said turnout was “slow,” elongating the “o.” He had no figures.