Polling places gird for droves

Polling places throughout Orange County expect a record-setting torrent of voters today, and many are bolstering their operations with extra volunteers.

These predictions stem from bellwethers like the incredibly large volume of early voters seen in Orange County and historical statistics that indicate more people come out during years in which no incumbent is running for president.

As many people voted early during the 10 days before this year’s election at 10 sites as voted in 30 days before the 2004 election at 30 sites.

Almost half a million people already mailed in ballots, about one-third of Orange County’s entire electorate.

“We’ve been preparing for at least 12 months for a high turnout,” said Brett Rowley, a spokesman for the Orange County Registrar of Voters.

In addition to adding more workers at certain locations, the registrar has also done a more comprehensive job of training poll operators in efficiency, and it has made sure that adequate technical support is readily available, Rowley said.

Polls open at 7 a.m. today, and anyone in line before 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote even if they don’t get to cast their ballot by then.

Most people tend to vote in the morning before work and in the evening after work. Voters who are able to go in the middle of the day, avoiding lunch hour, will have the easiest time getting in and out, Rowley said.

It’s also helpful to fill out a sample ballot or write down choices on a piece of paper and take them into the booth in order to expedite the process, he said.