Published: October 19, 2008 08:38 am      

Voter turnout already high in Floyd County

Early voting going on daily in clerk’s office

Election Day is officially Nov. 4. But in the Floyd County Clerk’s office, it’s Monday through Friday for the next two weeks.

Many residents have taken advantage of voting early in the clerk’s office to avoid the large crowds expected on Election Day. On Tuesday, 119 people voted early.

“I’ve never seen anything like this, in any election,” said Floyd County Clerk Linda Moeller. “We’ve never had anything like this.”

The numbers speak for themselves. Since the May primary, there have been a total of 2,133 new registrations and 3,146 voters who have updated their registration. In Floyd County, Moeller said there are 56,000 registered voters.

Last week, more than 916 voter registrations were processed. Voters should be receiving their registration cards in the mail this week, Moeller said.

“Other clerks statewide have said the same thing, they have experienced a heavy turnout,” she said. “Some in larger counties have even opened up satellite offices.”

Voters do not need a reason to vote early in the clerk’s office, but they do to have an absentee ballot mailed to them.

Voters who have completed an absentee application to receive a ballot by mail should be receiving one soon. The deadline for the clerk’s office to receive an application for absentee ballots by mail is Oct. 27. As of Oct. 10, 1,170 ballots have been mailed and 413 have been returned.

“I think it’s encouraging,” said Floyd County Democrat Chairman Marcey Wisman about the interest and early voting turnout. “I still think there will be lines at the polls. People are looking for change, especially with the economy.”

Early voting will continue in the clerk’s office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the two Saturdays prior to Election Day — Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.

Moeller said at this time all positions for poll workers have been filled. She is still taking names of people interested in working the election.

Poll worker training is at 6 p.m. Oct. 29-30 and 9 a.m. Nov. 1 in Floyd County Circuit Court.

Floyd County Commissioner Steve Bush said the heavy early turnout “is encouraging.”

“The key is for people to get out and vote, no matter if they are Democrat or Republican,” Bush said. “People just need to look at each individual candidate, learn the facts and keep an open mind.”

Voters may check their registration status as well as find the location of their polling place by visiting the Floyd County Clerk’s Web site at www.floydcounty.in.gov/resident/electionsoffice.htm or www.indianavoters.com.

Voters can also call 812-948-5411 or 812-948-5412 in the clerk’s office to check their status.

• All voters will be required to present photo identification prior to voting. The ID must meet all the following criteria: Display the voter’s name, display the voter’s photo, contain an expiration date, and either be current, or have expired after Nov. 7, 2006, be issued by the State of Indiana or the United States.