Absentee ballots that have been received by both counties Board of Elections offices will be tallied first and those results are expected be reported at around 8 p.m. tonight.
As of 7 p.m., 21,375 people in Clark County cast a ballot on Election Day, bringing overall voter turnout for this election to around 70% when factoring in early voting.
UPDATED: 4:30 p.m.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 17,112 people in Clark County had casted a regular ballot on Election Day while 581 people had filled out a provisional ballot, according to the Clark County Board of Elections.
That office’s deputy director Amber Lopez said that the election has been running smoothly so far and noted that some polling locations have had lines.
There has already been a record number of absentee ballots requested in the county in the weeks prior to election day. As of Monday, over 40% of registered voters in the county had already cast a ballot.
Election officials reported a large turnout for the 2016 presidential election that saw approximately 70% of registered voters in the county casting a ballot.
UPDATED: 9:57 a.m.
First time voter Isabella Clonch was pretty focused on why she was out early this morning to vote.
“I definitely want to see a change in the way we live our lives,” she said. “I think the whole COVID-19 thing was not handled properly and I just want to see more peace and everybody to get along. I think with the current presidency it’s not happening.”
Clonch, 18, said it makes her feel good to vote because it makes her feel like she is part of the community and is doing a good thing.
At Tecumseh High School in New Carlisle, some voters were at the polls early because of their work schedules but wanted to make their voices heard.
“I wanted to get it all done this morning because I work all day,” said Tabitha Stoltz. “It’s an American right.”
Maegan Lewis said, “It’s important to vote because it’s your voice. You can’t complain if you didn’t give them your vote. That’s it at the end of the day.”
UPDATED: 9 a.m.
Voters lined up early at polls in Clark and Champaign counties Tuesday morning.
In New Carlisle and Enon, long lines formed even before polls open.
Lines were shorter in some parts of Clark County. At Northeastern High School, voters were in and out quickly, with no waiting.
EARLIER:
Amid the coronavirus pandemic and a bitterly contested presidential race, Election Day has finally arrived. Polling places in Springfield, Urbana and throughout Ohio opened at 6:30 a.m. and will be open until 7:30 p.m. today.
Credit: Marcus Hartman
Credit: Marcus Hartman
Any eligible voter in line by 7:30 will be allowed to cast a ballot.
The Springfield News-Sun has a team of journalists dedicated to live coverage today of issues that affect polling places, voter safety and election security, and we will update this story throughout the day today until polls close.
For those who are casting their ballots today, our 2020 Election Guide offers important information about every contested local race and every issue.
We will track results live tonight, providing the latest updates on the presidential race nationwide and in Ohio, and covering local candidates and tax issues.
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