Record turnout possible
Published 1:23 am Sunday, November 2, 2008
After months of campaign stickers, pollster questions and election talk, Pike County polls are ready to open in just two days, and local election officials are gearing up for a possible record-breaking turnout.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday Pike County voters will have a chance to cast their votes in several key local, state and national elections.
Locally, candidates will vote for Pike County Commission and the 2nd Congressional District races.
Across the state, several key offices are up for grabs, including U.S. Senator and Supreme Court.
And, nationally, of course, voters will play their part in choosing a historical presidential candidate, no matter who swings the election.
Pike County Probate Judge Bill Stone, who is the county election official, said all these factors are likely to bring a large number of voters out to the polls Tuesday.
“We’re expecting a large turnout. It’s anyone’s guess, but I would guess between 65 to 80 percent,” Stone said. “We’ve got a lot on the ballot (that is of) high interest to a broad cross section of people.”
Stone said election workers have been putting in extra hours to prepare for a possibly record-breaking voter turnout.
“It’s been pretty hectic for the last two to three weeks,” Stone said. “We have deliberately tried to over-prepare for this election.”
Stone said when ballots were ordered about six weeks ago, he ordered enough for 120 percent turnout, since voter registration deadline was still a long way off.
Now, with nearly 20,000 registered voters in Pike County, Stone said he is pretty certain there will still be plenty of ballots for the day.
“We think we’re still better than OK on election ballots,” Stone said. “We also have provided extra support and have increased staff in several of the precincts.”
Stone said in order to vote, residents must bring a form of ID.
“There are 27 different things you can use, from a driver’s license to a utility bill,” Stone said.
Residents who aren’t sure where their polling location is can contact the local Board of Registrars at 566-1757.