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Early voting already setting records in Scott and Rock Island counties

While there’s two weeks to go before the midterm elections, thousands of votes are streaming into Iowa and Illinois. Early voting is off to a record-setti...

While there's two weeks to go before the midterm elections, thousands of votes are streaming into Iowa and Illinois.

Early voting is off to a record-setting start in Scott and Rock Island counties, thanks to convenience and technology.

Les and Sue Sammon won't be voting on Election Day this year. That's because they're marking their ballots early in Scott County.

"I think this is a fantastic way of doing it," said Les, just after finishing his ballot.

Early voting adds interest to already hot campaigns.  That's why the Sammons beat the crowd on Monday in Davenport.

"If you don't vote, you don't get your say," Sue said.

In Scott County, that adds up to almost 22,000 issued absentee ballots. Nearly half of them have already been returned.

That's outpacing the last Iowa gubernatorial election.

"It's something that's really important to them, the right for fair representation," said Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz. "They're showing it by them casting their vote."

Moritz urges absentee voters to make sure they sign the back of the ballot.  Otherwise, it won't count.

Scott County will also speed voting on Election Day by scanning voter registration cards.

Early voting also began Monday in Rock Island County.  Unions are issuing the call to get out the vote before Election Day.

With 7,500 absentee ballots, Rock Island County is already passing the 2012 presidential race.

It's easier to vote absentee in Rock Island County now, and voters can return ballots postage-free.

"I believe that it's a simpler way to vote," said Rock Island County Clerk Karen Kinney.  "They can vote in the comfort of their living room."

Satellite voting also began Monday in Scott and Rock Island counties.

At the Fairmount Library in Davenport, there were more than two dozen votes in just the first hour.

"That's so much easier," said voter Sharon Brown.  "Saves time."

Scott County hopes to add up to 10,000 more votes from this method. Early voting numbers could actually outpace turnout on Election Day.

"I like the idea of early voting," concluded voter Duane Brown.

Judging by the numbers, thousands of others agree.

For more information, check http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor or http://www.rockislandcounty.org .

 

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