Votes cast at Benjamin Harrison house for first time

Old Northside resident Matt Conrad cast his vote Tuesday morning in the place where President Benjamin Harrison used to house his horses and carriages.

Voters for the first time could perform the civic duty amid the Civil War sword of the 23rd president, a soldier's uniform, and other pieces of history on the serene Old Northside grounds of the Benjamin Harrison home.

"This is certainly cooler than the school that was used before," Conrad said.

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential site, 1230 N. Delaware Street, became a polling place for the first time this year, furthering the historical site's civic engagement aims and offering a historical connection for voters.

"This aligns well with our mission to increase public understanding of, appreciation for and participation in the American system of self-government," said Charles Hyde, CEO of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

But like most polling places where a low voter turnout is expected Tuesday for the municipal primary, residents only slowly trickled in to the presidential home.

Marion County Deputy Clerk Russell Hollis said early voting numbers for the Tuesday primary fell about 1,000 below those that voted early in 2011.

About 3,800 people voted early in Marion County this year, compared to about 4,800 in 2011, Hollis said.

Hyde estimated about eight to 10 people voted at the Benjamin Harrison home in the first hour the polls were open Tuesday morning.

Still, three poll workers chatted cheerfully, excited to volunteer at a site steeped in history.

"I toured it this morning. It's been fascinating," said Catherine Davis, who volunteers every year as a poll worker. "I felt like a little kid."

Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter: @Mabuckley88.