Party officials have seen large numbers at the polls during the first week of early voting, and are expecting even more this weekend and next week.
“I think there’s been a good turnout,” said Nancy Boston, chairman of the Republican Party of Bell County. “We’re very pleased people are taking advantage of early voting.”
The close presidential race between John McCain and Barack Obama, and the District 55 state representative race between Democrat Sam Murphey and Republican Ralph Sheffield, brought out voters in droves this past week.
“We’re seeing an excellent turnout,” said Arthur Resa, Bell County Democratic Party chairman. “People are having to wait 30 to 40 minutes to vote.”
After five days of early voting this year, 27,877 votes have been cast in Bell County. By comparison, during the 2004 election, 17,324 voters had turned out five days into early voting.
Both Boston and Resa anticipate large numbers for their respective parties.
The Democratic Party is getting daily reports from voter registration and has a program that can track who is turning out to the polls, Resa said.
“We’re breaking it down as to who’s voting. We’re looking at how many of those were voting Democrats … We suspect they’ll vote that way again,” he said.
Boston said this year’s race has brought a lot of excitement and interest to the Republican Party as well.
“I feel like the Republican turnout will be very good,” she said. “I’ve been in this a long time. Just in the people who visit the headquarters, there’s an unusually heavy amount of interest.”
Traditionally, Democrats vote on Election Day, Resa said, but officials from both parties are encouraging all voters to get out early and vote.
Weekend voting allows voters to head to the polls today and Sunday.
“It’s more convenient for people who are busy during the week,” Boston said.
Though there were problems in the primary with precincts running out of ballots, Boston said she does not anticipate any problems this time around.
“We have sufficient time to order extra ballots, if necessary,” she said.
