The Montgomery County Board of Elections is expecting long lines this weekend as many voters take advantage of the chance to cast ballots early. Tens of thousands of people have already voted in person and by mail, and turnout is breaking records ahead of Election Day.
On Thursday, the board reported a total of 43,289 early in-person votes. The county mailed out 102,407 absentee ballots and had received back 85,128.
"That's huge," says Board of Elections Director Jan Kelly, and turnout numbers are much higher than during the last presidential election.
Kelly says poll workers are preparing for big crowds again this weekend, and COVID-19 health and safety precautions will be strictly enforced.
“We are concerned about our staff as well and the health of our staff. So we have a personal protective equipment, gowns and masks, et cetera," she says, "and double coverage for them to be put in that position.”
Masks are required to enter the Board of Elections site. Staff will have paper masks on hand for anyone who needs one. And curbside voting will also be available.
Kelly says elections workers are still processing absentee ballot requests. The county drop box, located at the Board of Elections, will be available through Election Day.
For more information on how to vote, visit voteohio.gov.
