ST. JOSEPH COUNTY – It will be hard to know until the end of the day how voter turnout this year compares to other presidential election years, but we are finding some pretty long lines at local polling places across Indiana and Michigan.
The presidential race is bringing people to the polls but so are other important races.
WSBT’s Kristin Bien stopped at Clay Fire Hall in Harris Township, a St. Joseph County voting spot.
Poll workers say there was a steady stream of voters since they opened this morning at 6 a.m.
While about 6,000 thousand fewer people voted early in St. Joseph County this year compared to 2008, there are more registered voters this year.
About 202,000 people are registered here, compared to about 198,000 in 2008.
So, poll workers are expected to be busy right until the polls close.
Before the sun came up, the line formed at Clay Fire Hall.
“I think it is our patriotic duty as citizens and the one chance we really get to make a difference,” said voter Bill Irvin.
This has been a busy polling place. A steady stream of voters crowded into the hall throughout the day. It is a presidential race year, so more voters are expected to cast their votes.
“I cast my ballot for Obama, because I feel he is going to take the country in the right direction,” said Colleen Hensel.
“I voted for Romney,” said Janice Hallam. “I just feel we need to go a difference course.
There are a lot of other races attracting voters to the polls. Locally, voters are picking who they want to send to Congress in the 2nd district congressional seat, and they are deciding who they want to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate.
“I just want to vote to make sure we advance forward as a country,” said voter Dale Garwood.
Voters in Michigan have some issues to decide as well. There are 6 statewide constitutional proposals on the ballot. That is why poll workers in Edwardsburg say they have been busy all day.
Polls close in Indiana at 6 p.m. and in Michigan at 8 p.m.
I’m praying things will go my way,” said Hallam.
Speaking of precincts – before you head out to vote, call Voter Registration or go online to make sure you know where your precinct is located.
We have had several people call WSBT to say that their polling place has changed.
There was redistricting and reprecincting, so Voter Registration sent out almost 70,000 notification cards.
But there has still been some confusion at polling places today.
