Heavy turnout inundates polls

Number of voters smaller than expected, but driven by issues, candidates

Cole County Clerk Marvin Register switches out voting machines after the original one at a Cole County precinct stopped working in the early morning hours because of a loose connection. Photo by Julie Smith.

By News Tribune

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Cole County Clerk Marvin Register was surprised when he saw voter turnout for Tuesday’s election was 64 percent. He predicted a 73 percent voter turnout, equal to the 2008 presidential election.

“There were no technical difficulties, we just had a very busy day,” he said. “We did have to deal with some people not having voter registration cards. We again ask that if you don’t have one, let us know, and we’ll get you one in time for the next election.”

For those who ventured to the polls Tuesday, the impetus to go was either support or opposition to a particular candidate or issue, or just simply because it’s their civic duty to vote.

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