Voter turnout could reach record levels

The County Line

The first day for early voting at Hamilton County remote voting sites saw the locations in Carmel and Fishers swarmed with people eager to cast ballots as early as possible. Election officials said there were no major problems, but voters took their time in the booth either because they were splitting their ticket or because there are so many choices.

Besides the lengthy Republican and Democrat ballots, there are school board, judges’ retention and constitutional questions to be determined. Long lines formed immediately after polls opened at the Carmel Library and Fishers City Hall. Westfield City Hall had slightly fewer in line.

The huge turnout at remote locations, as well as at the Judicial Center, made some wonder if Election Day, Nov. 6, would see as large a crowds as on normal election days. But, if the interest continues, the election seems certain to set a record for overall participation in the so-called mid-term.

Early voting continues until Nov. 5. Of course, some of the large numbers can be explained by the fact there are now well over 200,000 residents eligible to vote in the county.