Redrawn districts lead to concerns about Marion County voter turnout

In Marion County, some election officials admitted they had some concerns Tuesday due to the possible impact of changes to precincts and polling locations made in late 2011.

Some Marion County officials admitted concerns about redrawn precincts this year, and its impact on voter turnout. Last-minute voters would have to be in line by 6 p.m. to be counted.

"I'm not sure if I'm excited or not. Terrified is more like it," said Veronica Tibbs, a Marion County voter.

Plenty of people did not know what polling location and precinct to report to Tuesday because they assumed they would be going to the same location as before.

This year, there are 600 precincts and nearly 300 polling locations.

"Every election, there is a thing that keeps me up at night, and the thing this year, are the changes in the precincts and polling locations. Mayor Ballard changed the precinct lines in late 2011, and many, many people are voting in different places," said Marion County Clerk Beth White.

Plenty of voters did not even have to wait in line Tuesday afternoon—they walked right in.

"It was very smooth and no waiting," said Ann Oldham, another voter.

The majority of the precincts were expected to report by 8:30 or 9 p.m.

"People died so that I could vote so I've never missed a chance to vote," said Oldham, a Marion County voter. 

"I'm retired military, and I'm one of those guys that fought to protect this right, and I've voted since I was 18 years old. It's a privilege that no other country really gives us, and it's sad that more people don't go," said voter Walt Sherman.

Early voting numbers were historically high this year. White predicts that could mean a historic turnout for the county overall.