The two non-binding referenda--one on Harvard's sale of houses to faculty members and the other banning nerve gas testing in Cambridge--were expected to pass with ease.
Shooting for 18
Although rain tapered off by the day's end, most candidates and referenda supporters were not deterred by the low turnout and the inclement weather.
"I've seen a lot of rainstorms and weathered them all," said the 70-year old Vellucci, an East Cambridge native who has won more local elections (17) than any other candidate running.
"The politicians who are popular personally can pick up a phone and say 'Hey, I'm in trouble! Get out and vote!''' the Independent incumbent said, adding that his campaign volunteers had a battery of 25 cars ready to drive people to the polls.
Heather M. Hoffman, who carried a sign in favor of the porn question, said she stood in front of the East Cambridge fire station most of the day "because some things are worth standing in the cold and rain for.