By all early indications, the number of Waukee residents turning out to vote in today's city election was as bleak as the weather.

At 5 p.m., an informal survey of all four voting precincts in Waukee found that less than 500 people had turned out to cast their vote in the mayoral and city council elections.

"Traffic has been pretty light," said Muriel Nizzi, a volunteer at St. Boniface Catholic Church, serving the largest precinct in Waukee.

At 4 p.m. only 152 people had voted at St. Boniface (precinct 4), followed by Immanuel Lutheran Church (precinct 1) with 140, Westview Church (precinct 3) with 124 and Waukee School Administration Building (precinct 2) with 56.

"It doesn't feel like people think this election is very important," said Linda Meyer, a volunteer at the school administration building.

At Westview Church, all five election volunteers agreed traffic had been steady throughout the day, though the longest line was only four voters long.

Dianne Erickson manned the ballot box covered in a blanket. She said despite the low turnout, "we have a good time here."

Polls opened in Waukee this morning at 7 a.m. On the ballot was incumbent Mayor Bill Peard, and incumbent Casey Harvey, Chris Colter and Shelly Hughes for Waukee City Council.

Polls close tonight at 8 p.m. Election results will post as soon as they are available, here on Waukee Patch.