County officials: Turnout similar to '04 race

Despite the historic nature of Tuesday’s general election, voter turnout in Curry County only mirrored results of the 2004 general election.

The Curry County Clerk’s office reported a 64 percent voter turnout on Tuesday. Voter turnout in the county was 65 percent in the 2004 election.

County election manager Coni Jo Lyman said it’s hard to determine voter behavior.

In Bailey County, voter turnout was similar to the 2004 election, which had a 59 percent voter turnout.

“We were a little surprised that we didn't have a better turnout today because our early voting was so large,” she said. “I don't know if it was the wind or maybe everybody just voted early.”

Of the 2,335 voters in Bailey County, 1,395 voted early.

However, election officials in Parmer County experienced a bigger turnout compared to the 2004 presidential race.

Parmer County officials reported a 74 percent voter turnout for Tuesday’s general election. The county had a 54 percent voter turnout in the 2004 general election.

“The voter turnout was very good for our county,” said Parmer County Deputy Clerk Gerri Bower.

• Curry County

2004 Presidential Election

Registered 21,582

Turnout 14,244

2008 Presidential Election

Registered 22,306

Turnout 14,362

• Parmer County:

2004 presidential election

Registered 5,084

Turnout 2,773

2008 presidential election

Registered 4,995

Turnout 3,738

• Bailey

2004 presidential election

Registered 2,412

Turnout 4,071

2008 presidential election

Registered 3868

Turnout 2,335