Near-record turnout expected Tuesday

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State election officials are predicting a near-record turnout when Oklahomans vote on Tuesday. <br/><br/>State Election Board Secretary Mike Clingman says between one-point-three and

Saturday, October 30th 2004, 3:19 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State election officials are predicting a near-record turnout when Oklahomans vote on Tuesday.

State Election Board Secretary Mike Clingman says between one-point-three and one-point-four (m) million voters will turn out.

The presidential election, a nationally watched Senate race and state questions on gambling, smoking and gay marriage is expected to draw a large number of voters.

President Bush is a heavy favorite to carry Oklahoma, which hasn't voted for a Democrat for president since 1964.

The Senate race between Democrat Brad Carson and Republican Tom Coburn could decide which party controls the U-S Senate.

Other reasons for an expected heavy turnout include a battle between Democrats and Republicans for control of the state Legislature.

Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m. in the state's 77 counties.