The Madison City Clerk's office released its final total of absentee voters in the 2008 fall election, a figure that represents a turnout nearly one-fifth higher than that seen four years ago. "Today, 911 people voted in the City Clerk's office," reads a brief report relayed by mayoral spokesperson Rachel Strauch-Nelson on Monday night. "In total, 17,808 people voted early, and that brings our absentee totals to 32,012."
Back in 2004, the clerk's office issued a total of 25,258 ballots, meaning that an additional 6,754 were cast by voters during this election season, an increase of 21%. High turnout is also expected on Tuesday, with state election officials projecting a total surpassing the roughly 74% seen four years ago.
This update on absentee ballot totals was the last of five issued by Strauch-Nelson since last Wednesday, each providing ongoing reports on the early voting turnout along with information about Election Day, voter registration totals, electioneering rules, and calls for volunteers to assist with ballot quality assurance. Remarkably, the city has not needed any ward volunteers for some time, with some 1,850 poll worker slots full.
Polls open at 7 a.m. at scores of wards around Madison on Tuesday morning. More information will be forthcoming throughout Election Day, as the city plans to provide updates on turnout at both noon and 5 p.m., and of course after the polls close. For persons not knowing where their polling place is search tool provided by the Madison City Clerk.