Early voting turnout skyrockets

The General Election is Tuesday. But voting is already fast and furious across the region.

That's the word from election administrators for Curry and Roosevelt counties, who told The News on Monday they had seen more turnout from early and absentee voters than in previous recent elections, and in some cases by a long stretch.

In Curry County, voter turnout has already surpassed that of the primary election in June, according to Clerk Annie Hogland. The numbers so far also exceed the early and absentee turnout from the 2014 general election, which was also a mid-term.

The numbers don't yet compare with the 2016 General Election, which clocked more than 11,000 ballots, "but it is important to note that it was a presidential election," Hogland wrote in an email.

But with early voting continuing through Saturday, absentee ballot applications accepted through Friday and the big election day itself next week, there's still time to catch up. All told, Hogland recorded an unofficial total of 3,396 early votes by Monday night, among them 1,853 from Republicans, 788 from Democrats, 8 from Libertarians and 190 labeled "other."

The office also mailed out at least 557 absentee ballots so far and had received half of them back. The party breakdown for those ballots were 337 Republican, 174 Democratic, four Libertarian and 42 other.

"As far as why we are seeing the great numbers in turnout, I really can't answer," Hogland said, pointing to statewide and local races that "have all received a large amount of attention."

In Roosevelt County, Clerk DeAun Searl agreed voter participation so far was "much better" than in the primary and other recent elections. On Monday afternoon she said there were 849 votes cast at the courthouse and 204 at the alternate voting site, the Jake Lopez Center.

Searl declined to detail the party breakdown so far, stating "they're voters and that's what's important."

"I'm just very happy that they are turning out like they are," she added. "I think it's very important for everyone to get out and exercise their right to vote."

Hogland said there were several first-time voters last week at the mall "and even a 100 year old gentleman" out voting.

"So those who don't, a better question might be why not?!" she wrote.