Flat. Flat and dispassionate was the word almost everywhere.

In that environment, InsiderNJ caught up with Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin, who said he expects Essex turnout to be north of 40,000 by the time it’s all over tonight.

“It 36000 in the [Barbar] Buono election four years ago,” said the clerk. “And remember, Barabra Buono had no competition. This year, there is a contested election. I see it around 40 plus. Our numbers will exceed four years ago.”

Durkin said a Democratic operative told him that the anemia is pervasive, with 12% turnout statewide a figure he heard earlier in the day.