Polls Open In Mass. Senate Election

A low voter turnout is expected as Massachusetts voters take to the polls Tuesday to pick the Democratic and Republican candidates to compete for the U.S. Senate seat left open by the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Secretary of State William Galvin said the number of voters expected at the polls rests with how well the candidates get out the vote. Galvin says he expects to see 5 to 9 percent of registered voters turn out.

"It's very hard to project a turnout for this particular election because it's so unique," Galvin said. "We've never had a statewide special election before and particularly where it's being held in winter months."

Galvin said there was a dramatic increase in people voting by absentee ballot on Thursday and Friday.