HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Four candidates are vying to be the next mayor of Hamden in an election defined by the town's longstanding financial woes.

Preliminary data released by Connecticut's secretary of the state on Wednesday shows that Hamden has had the third-highest early vote totals of any town in the state, with 2,439 votes cast so far. The town is the 12th most populous municipality in the state, according to the most recent population statistics.

Hamden's outsized voter turnout appears to be driven in part by the residual sticker stock felt by residents who saw their property tax bills skyrocket earlier this year. This year's hikes were the result of a state-mandated property revaluation, but the town has been dealing with high taxes long before the assessed value of homes spiked.

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