It’s Election Day in America.
At long last.
More than two dozen polling locations across Monongalia County will be open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. today as the county’s voters add their voices to those choosing local, state and national leadership across the country.
The county is coming off a historic early voting period that saw 37% of registered voters, or 24,227, get to the polls during the 10-day period.
While early voting numbers aren’t always a predictor of overall turnout, Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney said those heading to the polls today may need to exercise some patience.
“If you’re coming out tomorrow to vote and we have a big turnout, you may possibly experience some wait times when you arrive at your assigned polling location,” she told The Dominion Post on Monday.
Blaney said anyone struggling to identify their correct polling location should contact her office at 304-291-7230 or visit the 2024 Monongalia County District/Precinct Map at monongaliacountyclerk.com.
The county’s early voting numbers are not an anomaly.
According to Secretary of State Mac Warner, a record 310,421 voters cast ballots early statewide. Nationally, the number is north of 76 million.
“I think so,” Blaney said when asked if voters are more energized this time around.
“I know other county clerks in the state have been experiencing large early voting turnouts,” she said. “We’ll see what tomorrow brings. Typically, early voting doesn’t really increase our overall turnout, but I feel like this election may be a little bit different.”
In 2016 – the last non-COVID presidential election – 20,735 people took advantage of early voting in Monongalia County. Another 15,372 came out on Election Day for a total turnout of 55.19%.
The 2020 numbers were skewed due to 9,631 absentee ballots. Even so, 20,907 people voted early. Another 11,608 county residents turned up on Election Day to bring total turnout to 57.04%.
Blaney said she credits skilled poll workers and a cooperative electorate for a smooth early voting period despite the record numbers.
Now on to Election Day.
“We were fortunate. Our equipment worked well and our poll workers at these early voting locations did a tremendous job moving that many people in and out efficiently and without issues,” Blaney said. “I’d say 98% of the voters we come in contact with are just exceptional. They’re so appreciative of the poll workers being there. It’s only a very small number who maybe don’t want to do what the poll workers ask. Overall, we’ve had a tremendous election season so far.”
If you need a lift to the polls, Mountain Line Transit Authority is providing free rides on all local routes Tuesday while the polls are open.
If you know your polling location, you can visit busride.org/electiondayrides to find the corresponding bus routes.
