ELYRIA — In the first few hours of voting for today’s recall election, the turnout has been low.

Still, those who are braving the cold temperatures and snow showers are fired up to let their voice be heard in the most important election in Elyria’s history.

Coming out as the 23rd voter in his precinct at 11:45 a.m., Christopher Ceiling of 14th Street said he voted against Mayor Bill Grace.

“I have been very upset with the city of Elyria for a long time,” he said. “This administration has let jobs go away, not fixed up the city when it needed it and cut safety forces. The business community is just leaving Elyria.”

For the business owners that are staying, some want to see a change at City Hall.

“I voted that he should not continue,” said Greg Dempsey, owner of Journey Around Music on Cleveland Street. “He should have taken the city where it could have been taken. He hasn’t done enough to help businesses in the city.”

While Dempsey said he will acknowledge Grace has made many attempts to beautify the city, he questions why it has been done at the expense of the safety forces and efficient spending of tax dollars.

“He is a nice guy to talk to, but with the issues at hand in the city — I just think there could be other things done or ideas entertained,” Dempsey said.

However, not everyone believes Grace is a “nice guy” and his personality is costing him votes.

“I voted no,” said 71-year-old Jenny Sprague. “I just don’t like his attitude.”

Voters can continue to cast their ballots until 7:30 p.m.

The Lorain County Board of Elections will tally the results, and officials there have said final numbers should be available by 10 p.m. Check back at Chroniclet.com for the results as they come in.

Want to talk about your voting experience today? Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lrober-son@chroniclet.com.

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