County election officials are bracing for a record voter turnout here on Tuesday, which will include thousands voting for the first time.
With the huge interest in the presidential race and the new voters more likely to cause delays, people should not expect a stop at their polling place to be brief.
"Keep in mind you may have to wait a little longer than normal, hopefully not too much longer," said Mary Stehman, chief clerk of the county's Board of Elections, who will oversee the election.
Stehman said that while 71 percent of registered voters came out to the polls in November 2004, she'll be ready if 90 percent come this year.
Adding to the expected crush will be the fact that, aside from those voting by absentee ballot, all Pennsylvania voters will be showing up on Election Day. While at least 34 states and the District of Columbia allow early in-person voting before Tuesday, Pennsylvania doesn't.
"I'm not worried about it because I try to prepare for that. I'm just not worried about it," said Stehman, adding that voters who run into problems can always cast a provisional ballot.
To help make sure things go smoothly, Stehman said up to 1,500 people will work at the county's 237 polling places. This year, workers will include student volunteers from Millersville University and Franklin & Marshall College.
Voter registrations in Lancaster County jumped by more than 20,000, or nearly 7 percent, in the last year, with 10,498 added since Aug. 1.
Those new voters, added to the level of passion about the election and new rules on wearing campaign items into polling places could cause some problems at the polls and prompt lawsuits, said G. Terry Madonna, the director of Franklin & Marshall College's Center for Politics and Public Affairs.
"This has the potential to be complicated, confusing and controversial," Madonna said.
However, Madonna added that potential snafus at polling places will get widespread attention only if the presidential race is close. But while controversy is only a possibility, a high turnout is a near certainty, Madonna said.
"Everything we see, all the signs, are for a huge turnout. I'd be shocked if we didn't have more than 60 percent of eligible voters turn out," Madonna said.
Such numbers are similar to national expectations.
The Center for the Study of the American Electorate, which studies elections, is predicting that nearly 63 percent of eligible U.S. voters will come out this year, more than in 2004 and the highest since 1968, when 61.9 percent cast ballots.
While the presidential race between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain is expected to drive up turnout numbers everywhere, some local races could also draw more voters to the polls here.
Among other contests, local voters will choose a successor to retiring state Sen. Gibson E. Armstrong and render a final verdict on whether to adopt a home rule charter for Lancaster County.
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All those in line at 8 p.m. will be able to vote.
Staff writer Chad Umble can be reached at cumble@LNPnews.com or 481-6031.
(451)
