Early voting sees major turnout in Indiana

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- As Election Day is finally here, voters are gearing up to cast their ballots.

St. Joseph County Clerk Amy Rolfes says there are about 190,000 registered voters in St. Joseph County, and the early voting turnout, she says, has been great so far.

"Based on the numbers we're seeing now even for early voting; I would imagine that Election Day will be the same. People are very interested in this election, and they really want their votes to count," Rolfes said.

As of Monday afternoon, nearly 50,000 early voters checked in-person across just three locations.

Rolfes is expecting long lines at many of the 41 vote centers throughout St. Joseph County and encourages everyone to come early today to cast their ballot.

The county has trained 150 election workers who are ready to guide voters through the process and ensure a smooth experience at each center.

"I want to remind our voters that our election workers are all bipartisan and we are only involved in the process of how voters are casting their votes. I don't want any voter to come in anxious and thinking 'oh people are going to see my vote and they're going to might be conflict in the vote centers.' That's not it at all. Our vote center workers are all bipartisan and we are all focused only on the process," Rolfes said.

Meanwhile in Elkhart County, Elkhart County Clerk Christopher Anderson says so far early voting has been heavy. And as of Monday afternoon, Anderson said total in-person voting was at 29,118 people.

"It is heavier than most previous elections. It is not as heavy as what was in the general election in 2020. But 2020 was animal in itself. We're still feeling and living with the things that changed in 2020. It's heavy, it's heavier than normal. But it's not as heavy as 2020," Anderson said.

There are 29 polling locations across Elkhart County, all open from 6 a.m.to 6 p.m. Anderson says for anyone in line by 6 pm, you'll still have the chance to vote.

Anderson predicts a turnout rate around 67-70% through in-person voting, mail-in ballots, and travel board options combined.

With high turnout expected, Anderson advises voters to plan for lines and bring their photo id, which is required for all Indiana voters.

"Be prepared for a line on Election morning. I've told my workers that I'm training that you will have people standing in line when you open at 6 o'clock. Be prepared for a heavy influx for lunch hour from 11:30 to 1:30. Then we have those who get off in the midafternoon, so be ready for an influx at 4 o'clock and for that to be pretty steady all the way through for the closing of the polls at 6 o'clock. If a voter does get in line at one of our locations prior to 6 o'clock, we will get them voted even after it's 6 o'clock," Anderson said.

Polls are currently open and will close today at 6 p.m. all across the state of Indiana.