An unprecedented number of absentee ballots have already been cast in Madison, an indication of the record voter turnout expected for a Nov. 4 election.
Out of the 21,251 issued absentee ballots in Madison, 9,350 have been cast as of Tuesday, according to Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl.
Since early voting opened on Oct. 13, approximately 800 people have visited the clerk's office each day to cast their vote, and the office receives up to 1,000 absentee ballot requests by mail each day, according to Witzel-Behl.
With the increase in absentee voters, the city clerk's office is preparing for a large voter turnout on Election Day.
The clerk's office has encouraged voters to pre-register to vote in order to shorten lines at polling places on Nov. 4.
According to Witzel-Behl, 31,706 people have pre-registered to vote since April, which is a dramatic increase from the 13,997 that pre-registered in 2006 during the same time period.
The Government Accountability Board has prepared 35,000 trained poll workers throughout the state for a large voter turnout, and local election officials have ordered extra ballots, according to a statement.
To ensure a smooth voting experience, the GAB and the clerk's office encourage voters to prepare before heading to their polling place.
Wisconsin has a long history of fair and open elections,"" GAB director Kevin Kennedy said in a statement. ""But taking a few minutes to check over their materials and rights before leaving the house can save voters time and frustration at the polling place.
