Early voting numbers in Monroe County are gradually increasing each day.
Election supervisor Karen Wheeler said the turnout started strong with about 330 voters on day one. Early voting begins 28 days before the election.
The steady increase in voter turnout might be due to the new location, Wheeler said.
“The voters absolutely love the location,” she said. “The parking is so much more abundant than at the Seventh Street location for voter registration there, and of course we have so much more space.”
The new location, called Elections Operations, has about 60 places for people to vote compared to the previous location’s 12 places.
Elections Operations is located at 302 S Walnut St., and was previously the NAPA Autoparts building.
The last election largely used mail-in ballots due to COVID-19. Wheeler said conducting the election in 2020 was “like a nightmare”, and she is happy to get back in person and return to normal this year.
To prevent busy, hectic future operations, Wheeler recommends voting early.
“Getting closer to Election Day, I am sure that there will be longer lines and more people,” she said. “So if you want to avoid that, now is a good time to come in.”
Monroe County is looking for more people to work Election Day, specifically Republican workers. If interested, visit their website or call the voter registration office at (812) 349-2690.
Early voting ends at noon on Monday, Nov. 7. It is open for the next two weeks, with the exception of both Saturdays. Voters can view the schedule here.
