Thousands In Conn. Remain In The Dark On Election Day

The freak October storm that dumped heavy snow across the Northeast is continuing to cause problems on election day in Connecticut. Several towns have set up alternative polling places due to power outages.

The storm initially left three million people in the dark, and Tuesday, more than 20,000 utility customers remained in the dark in Connecticut. New Jersey utility companies said everyone was back on line, while Massachusetts power companies were working to restore electricity to about 100 customers.

In 10 Connecticut towns, regular polling places were moved or consolidated. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said some polling locations do not yet have electricity while others have been damaged or are being used as shelters and warming centers.

The power outages mean some people are traveling long distances to cast their ballots.

The Edwards family of Simsbury, Conn. decided to drive home from Vermont Tuesday, so they wouldn't miss their town election. They had been staying in Vermont for a few days, after enduring several days without power.

The power outages have closed schools, hurt the local economy and forced families like the Edwards' to get creative: storing food outside and cooking in the fireplace.