Election 2012 is right around the corner, and some officials are saying it has been a long, but exciting process thus far. Voters are highly motivated in this election as they are seeing record numbers for early voting; both in-person and by mail-in ballot.
Early voter registration numbers are soaring in Nebraska, but some areas are still at a standstill.
"What we don't seem to have is a surge of new voter registrations. Voter registration is steady and strong, and holding close to registration numbers in 2008, but overall there has been some slippage," said John Gale, secretary of state for Nebraska.
Over one million registered voters are in Nebraska. Roughly 560,000 are Republicans, and 375,000 are Democrats. This leaves over 220,000 as Non-Partisan, and a little over 3,200 for Libertarian and American Elect combined. Officials predict 71 percent of all voters in Nebraska will cast their ballots just like they did in the last presidential election year.
"Presidential election years generate the highest voter turnouts in Nebraska time after time. In 2004, turnout was 68 percent, and in 2008 just over 71 percent of registered voters cast their ballots. I am always optimistic that people feel the need to take part in the election process," said Gale.
Now the boost in numbers does not come naturally. Local commissioners are blaming it on recent turmoil.
"With the presidency, it always brings out lots of people. You just have your different parties talking against each other," said Lisa Poff, election commissioner for Buffalo County.
State officials say that it is more than just the presidential race.
"As in 2008, there's a race for U.S. Senate, three congressional races, and four constitutional amendments to be decided. There are also several close legislative races and the Electoral College vote in the 2nd congressional district may come into play as it did four years ago," said Gale.
Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Stick with NTV News for continued coverage on Election 2012.
