Wednesday, October 29, 2008
By Marc Kovac
More than 30,000 Mahoning County residents have requested mail-in ballots.
COLUMBUS — More than 221,000 Ohioans already have voted in next week’s presidential election, and an additional 1.2 million-plus have requested mail-in early ballots.
That’s according to the latest count by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, whose numbers track through the end of last week.
The totals don’t include at least one early voter: Gov. Ted Strickland, the state’s top Democrat, who cast his Monday morning, presumably for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.
He finished the process in 15-20 minutes, amid a crowded polling place in downtown Columbus.
“I’m voting early, and I’m encouraging others to vote early as well,” the governor told reporters before casting his ballot.
“I think the weather today is a good indication that we cannot predict what the weather will be like on Nov. 4. So, people have a chance to get out and vote when it’s not raining, when it’s not terribly cold and when it’s not as crowded as it’s likely to be on Nov. 4.”
Another reason to vote early: Most Ohioans already know whom they’re supporting, the governor said.
“Most people have made up their minds,” he said. “They’ve seen both candidates, both vice presidential candidates. They’ve heard all the speeches, watched the debates. ... [M]ost people have decided if they’re going to vote for Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain.”
He added, “It’s important [for the candidates] to remain visible throughout the remaining days, but I don’t think many minds are going to be changed as a result of Sen. McCain’s or Sen. Obama’s activities during these last few days.”
Among area results:
UA total of 6,625 mail-early ballots were requested in Columbiana County, including 586 that were cast in person.
UA total of 31,681 ballots were requested in Mahoning County, including 6,287 that were cast in person.
UA total of 19,183 ballots were requested in Trumbull County, including 5,877 that were cast in person.
Brunner is projecting a turnout of about 80 percent, or nearly 6.5 million voters. She said about a third of those votes will be made on absentee ballots.
mkovac@dixcom.com
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