Reactions to the voter turnout in Norwood range from “just all right” to “pretty good” to “amazing” for today’s primary elections. The neighborhood is just one of several in the northwest Bronx that are now included in the new 13th Congressional district. (Northern Manhattan makes up the majority of the district; Rep. Charlie Rangel is running for re-election.)

The scene at MS 80 on Moshulo Parkway, where about 90 Bronxites had voted as of 5:45 p.m., was quiet. While not remarkable numbers, one poll worker commented that the turnout was “amazing” compared to previous elections she had worked. According to a poll watcher, the only problem during the day was the paper in a voting machine had gotten stuck for about 45 minutes.

It was more of the same at St. Brendan’s School on E. 207th St. “We’ve had all right turnout,” said one poll coordinator. At 6 p.m., 176 votes had been cast, with no reported issues.

Not only are today’s primaries the first since recent redistricting, but Rangel, who has been serving in the House since 1971, is especially vulnerable after being censured in December 2010 for ethics violations. Among his challengers are State Senator Adriano Espaillat and Washington insider Clyde Williams. (It is already a foregone conclusion that the winner of the Democratic primary will carry the heavily-blue district come November.)

“These are very important elections to get people back into their seats so we can get work done,” said voter Eileen Hopson. While Hopson voted for Rangel “because of his wisdom,” she was almost swayed by one of his challengers, saying, “If it wasn’t for him, it would’ve been for Clyde Williams, the new blood. We need new blood and wisdom.”