Voter turnout today has been strong locally, prompting Clay County's auditor to predict a record-breaking election.
"We've had extremely high turnout at all our precincts," Lori Johnson said. "I'm expecting around 32,000."
In 2004's election, 28,000 ballots were cast. The county mailed 2,000 absentee ballots compared to 3,000 this year.
Many precincts in Cass and Clay counties had lines waiting when they opened at 7 a.m. Wait times of 10 to 20 minutes have been reported.
"I think it's been steady but manageable," said Cass County Auditor Mike Montplaisir said. "Everybody always turns out for the presidential race."
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He thought about 75,000 ballots would be cast in Cass County, compared to 67,000 in 2004, reflecting Fargo's growth.
About 20,750 Cass County residents cast early ballots.
Read more about local voter turnout in tomorrow's Forum.
