Early voting under way, big turnouts expected

WLUK TV

Updated: Oct 23, 2012 12:02 AM

APPLETON — Voters are now heading to the polls in Wisconsin two weeks ahead of Election Day.

Early voting started Monday morning and voting booths took over city hall in Appleton.  

"It has been a nice steady stream," said Appleton City Clerk Char Peterson.

She also says voting early is becoming a trend.

"It seems every four years, every presidential election it becomes a little more popular each time," she said.

Peterson says turnout for early voting has been steady throughout the day and she expects thousands of people could cast their ballot before Election Day.

"There's thinking that there will be 33 percent of people voting absentee this election. If that's the case, it would be a little over 11,000 people for the city of Appleton, compared to 9,000 in 2008," she said.

At Republican and Democratic headquarters in Appleton, volunteers are urging voters to get to the polls early.

"It's very important, we gotta get the message out, we gotta get our supporters out to vote, remind them of the date and to vote early," said Romney volunteer Brendan Smith.

"They're grateful that we're letting them know they can vote early and that is what I am going to do when I leave here," said Obama volunteer Mary Lee Maki.

Voters say they appreciate the chance to cast their ballot before Election Day.

"We typically vote early to avoid the rush," said Dick Sether of Appleton.

"I think it's more leisurely and I also think it's a very efficient way of doing it," said Judy Canter of Appleton.

Peterson says the city has already received more than 2,200 absentee ballots by mail. She says dozens of volunteers will staff city hall until early voting ends on November 2nd.

"That's what we're here for, we're here to help them, they can call or stop down but please be patient," Peterson said.

Copyright 2013 WLUK TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.