New London — As of 6 p.m., two hours before polls close, 1,658 people, or about 23 percent of the approximately 7,091 eligible voters, had cast ballots at the city's three voting districts, according to Democratic Registrar of Voters William Giesing.

There were 492 votes cast in District 1 (New London High School); 617 in District 2 (Harbor School); and 549 in District 3 (Nathan Hale School).

Registered Democratic voters are deciding between Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio and City Councilor Michael Passero for mayoral candidate and winnowing the field of Democratic City Council hopefuls to seven from eight.

The registrar said the only snag Wednesday was "a fair number of people" showing up at each of the three districts wanting to vote but could not because they were either not registered as Democrats or not registered to vote in the city at all.

Four years ago, 31 percent of the city's eligible voters turned out by closing time.

This year, there are 1,474 more registered Democrats in the city than in 2011.

Finizio is challenging the party endorsement of Passero, a city councilor, to run for mayor. Finizio is completing his first term as the city's first popularly elected mayor in nearly a century.

When the polls opened with the sun barely on the horizon, among the first to vote was Passero, a two-term city councilor.

"I feel good," said Passero. "It has been a long 10 months. I stand for restoration of government, professional management, living within our means and restoring respect for our public safety professionals."

The two Democratic mayoral candidates squared off in one debate last month at the high school.

Debbie Evans, in her 50s, said she cast a vote for Finizio at Harbor School.

"I think he's done a good job in making changes in the city and including everyone, not just certain people like the good ol' boys," Evans said.

Nancy Baude, voting at Nathan Hale, picked Passero.

"I've watched him for several years on the council," said Baude. "He's smart and receptive to working with others."

Julia Farrar, 26, voted for Finizio and was one of his sign-waving supporters outside the high school. She said she supported Finizio in part because of his acceptance of different types of people and recognition of an income disparity in the city.

"New London seems to be getting younger, and the younger generation is more aware of social issues. (Finizio) is one of the most socially aware people I know," Farrar said.

Wayne Vendetto Jr. said he voted for Passero.

"I'm looking for transparency, professional government," he said.

Okoi Tucker also voted for Passero.

"I voted for Passero because I feel like he's for the working families," said Tucker. "I watched the debate and he just spoke to me. I think he's going to do good things for the city."

At New London High School, Diane Murphy said she voted for Passero.

"I feel like we need a change...I believe he's going to do a good job," said Murphy.

In addition to the Democratic mayoral race, voters are also choosing which seven of the eight Democratic candidates for City Council will reach the Nov. 3 ballot.

The Democratic candidates for City Council are: Efrain Dominguez, Martha Marx, Anthony Nolan, Erica Richardson, John Satti, Michael Tranchida, Don Venditto and Ryan Henowitz.

Dominguez, outside New London High School, said he was "feeling good" about the day's vote and tried to engage as many people as he could.

"I think one of the most important things we have to do is educate the people... let them know where you stand," Dominguez said.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. New London's polling places include: District 1, New London High School, 490 Jefferson Ave.; District 2, Harbor School, 432 Montauk Ave.; District 3, Nathan Hale School, 37 Beech Drive.

Click here for a list of primaries across the state.

i.larraneta@theday.com

Twitter: @larraneta