Are Our Polling Sites Ready For Expected Heavy Traffic?

By Latoya Silmon, The News On 6

UNDATED -- Green Country is gearing up for Campaign 2008.  Tuesday is election day, but thousands have already cast their votes. 

The early voting lines have been long at the Tulsa County Election Board, and may be even longer on Tuesday.

So are our polling sites ready for that expected heavy traffic?

You can sum it all up in two words:  record turnout.

Voters came to take a stand, and for many people across Green Country that meant standing in line.

It's amazing.  I can't believe how huge it is.  I don't think it's ever been like this," said Kristi Corvin.

"I think this has been one of the most exciting elections that we've seen thus far," said Jewell Perkis.

And the proof is in the numbers, too.  From Creek County to Rogers County voter registration is up

"We have broke records the last three days of voting," said Terri Thomas.

By lunch time Monday, 700 people had already voted in Rogers County alone.  It's a lot for a smaller county.  Tulsa averaged a 45 minute wait, but voters there didn't seem to mind.

"Mainly just didn't want to have to wait for it tomorrow.  There's going to be some lines at my precinct," said Mitch Ballard.

Election officials across Green Country say that's probably a safe assumption, but they expect things to run smoothly on Tuesday.

"I think they will be ready.  We've set up for a lot of extra people particularity the large polling places. However, people need to be prepared to wait," said Terri Thomas.

Rogers County has hired 50 more polling people.  Tulsa has hired extra staff too, and there will be traffic control at the busier sites.

Election officials say all the extra effort is worth it.

"They're here.  It's history in the making and they all want to be a part of it.  It's really exciting," said Patty Bryant.

Election boards say they're working hard to make sure every vote is counted.  They don't anticipate running out of ballots and machines have memory card systems as a backup.If you missed the three early voting days, you can still vote on Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more election day information, CLICK HERE.