City Times Staff

City Clerk John Moe said he’s expecting a high turnout for Tuesday’s spring election.

Residents will be voting in several races today, to include Stevens Point City Council, Village of Plover Board, Portage Co. Board of Supervisors, Stevens Point School Board and Portage Co. Circuit Court Judge.

Tuesday also marks the presidential primary election, which Moe said helps bring out the big numbers.

“In 2008 (the last presidential election) we had a turnout of about 40 percent with 475 absentee ballots,” Moe said. “This year, as of Friday, we had 933 [absentee ballots]. It’s the highest by far.”

Moe said he’s been in touch with clerks from surrounding smaller communities, and some of them are expecting a turnout as high a 70 percent.

Moe added voters likely are expecting a line at the polls, and said it’s likely to be a long night awaiting results.

“I think people know this is a presidential election and there’s going to be a line, and I think they’re okay with that,” he said.

County Clerk Shirley Simonis said she expects results to begin coming into her office beginning about 11 PM.