Many area residents have taken advantage of the absentee and early voting opportunities for the November 5th general election.

Marion County Auditor Jake Grandia reported that as of noon on Tuesday, 5,328 absentee requests had been made with all methods available, saying that turnout was “strong.” In total, 19,331 of 24.377 registered voters in Marion County participated in that general election, or 79.3%. In addition to regular hours at the Marion County Courthouse and extended hours Saturday at that location, voting is available at Central College and the Graham Conference Center from noon to 6 p.m.

Warren County Deputy Auditor Allison Stephens reports 8,955 ballots as of noon on Tuesday as well, including 240 that morning. In total, 31,241 out of 36,775 registered voters, or 85%, participated four years ago.

Jasper County hit 6,000 ballots out of 26,735 registered voters at 1p.m. Tuesday. That includes absentee mail-in and votes cast at the courthouse. Auditor Jenna Jennings says it is tracking similar to four years ago. A total of 20,184 Jasper County residents participated in the 2020 general election.

Early voting continues across the state of Iowa until Monday, November 4th. All precinct polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday the 5th.