INDIANAPOLIS -- The polls opened at 6 a.m. in Marion County, where all voters are deciding the future of Wishard Memorial Hospital, with school funding referenda on the ballot in much of the southern part of the county.

The Wishard referendum calls for at least $612 million in low-interest public bonds to be used to update the hospital.

While turnout is generally expected to be low, there was a line when a polling place at 16th Street and Capitol Avenue opened, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

With just one issue on the ballot at that polling place, voting went very quickly.

Wishard has pledged $150 million it has saved toward a down payment for updates to the facility. If approved, the referendum would allow the hospital to tap into more than $600 million from federal stimulus bonds.

Voters in Perry Township said they were disappointed with the turnout through midday. The school system there wants voters to approve a $98 million plan to renovate and expand facilities.

"I think it's important that we keep up and maintain our property," said voter Elise Taylor, who supports the Perry Township referendum.

Others turned out to vote no on the Perry Township referendum.

"I think at this time, it's not a good idea," said Bill Hatcher. "A lot of folks are hurting. Now, they're going to tax the people who are paying property tax and actually are working."

People were also vocal in Franklin Township, where there was a steady stream of voters. The school district there wants voters to approve $9 million to help overcome property tax losses.

"I have a daughter and grandson-in-law that both teach in Franklin Township, and they informed us how to vote," said Bill Rathjen, who supports the referendum.

Other voters said they were annoyed by children that were standing outside the polls holding signs in support of a tax increase for schools.

"I think it's pretty sad that our township would stoop as low as to send the kids out to the polls to try to get the sympathy vote, personally," said Dean Roberts, who opposes the referendum.

In Beech Grove, bus drivers were outside polling places to support a tax increase the district contends is needed to save transportation and fund technology.

"I think the residents are going to be real disappointed if it doesn't pass, because you're going to have a lot of kids walking the streets," said Karen Pendry, a bus driver.

Those who oppose that referendum said it shouldn't even be on the ballot.

"I don't think it's fair that the school is holding buses over the heads of people in this community to … say, 'This is where we are short at,'" said voter Terry Hobbs.

Workers began counting about 8,000 absentee ballots by hand at noon. Polls are open until 6 p.m.