Early voting surges as over 21000 walk-in voters turn out for local election

The Porter County Elections and Registration meeting held on October 24, 2024, focused on the significant uptick in voter participation and the efforts of election staff during the busy election period.

The meeting began with a report on the number of walk-in voters, which has surpassed 21,000. This figure represents a 15% increase in voter turnout, in addition to the by-mail absentee ballots. Notably, the Vote Mobile, a mobile voting unit, recorded over 100 voters in just three hours on Tuesday, marking one of the highest single-day totals for the election season.

Election staff and poll workers have been commended for their dedication and hard work, as they manage the increased volume of voters. The directors acknowledged the challenges faced, particularly with the surge in by-mail ballots, which have exceeded 25,000. This number indicates a return to pre-pandemic voting levels, reminiscent of the 2020 election when COVID-19 influenced voting patterns.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing efforts by the election team, emphasizing that the last two weeks of the election cycle are typically the busiest. The discussions highlighted the importance of continued support for election staff as they navigate this high-demand period.