The potential merger between Mars and Adams Township drew many people to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3.

MARS — The Mars Area Public Library was a hotbed of activity Tuesday morning, Nov. 3, when the space became a voting precinct in the midterm elections.

The library itself would be affected if the vote to merge Mars and Adams Township is approved by residents of the two municipalities. Information about why was offered to voters outside the polling place Tuesday. Borough councilmen provided information sheets next to campaign workers for U.S. Senate candidate for the 16th Congressional District Justin Wagner and for 12th Pennsylvania House District candidate Scott Timko.

Even with the vote for their representatives on the line, many people said it was the merger that brought them to the polls Tuesday.

“Probably the biggest thing is the merger,” said Nick Leonhard, of Mars. “It seems like the benefits are there for the merger, which will pool our resources … probably have better utilities.”

The councilmen outside the polling place, G. Michael Fleming and Brad Price, were passing out information in support of the merger. Residents of the borough have taken notice of the issue after several meetings of both municipalities discussed the effect a yes vote would have on their denizens.

Richard and Mary Pat Martin were some of the attendees of those meetings.

“One of the effects would be Adams getting a good downtown area,” Richard Martin said after exiting the polls. “I think the two communities together will be stronger than the communities separate.”

If approved by residents of both municipalities, work will commence to officially bring the municipalities together. Mary Pat Martin said she thought the merged municipality should use the names of both entities, although it has already been decided that a merged township would be called Mars Township.

“I personally think it should have been Mars-Adams Township because it’s both of us together,” she said.

Dave Kraus was another Mars resident interested in casting a vote on the merger.

“That’s one of the reasons, one of the main reasons I came,” Kraus said of the merger vote. “As far as cost savings, it would do a lot to grow the population. I love this little town, it would be nice to see more businesses here.”

Shannon O’Neil moved to Mars about a year ago, having grown tired of the “hustly-bustly” of Cranberry Township. He said Mars has been more his speed, but sees a benefit in merging the two municipalities into one.

“I think it’s going to be a great way to build the community stronger and connect more of the different facilities, options for the community,” O’Neil said.