Local elections officials are expecting good turnout Tuesday. Predictions across southwest Ohio range from 35 to 45 percent.Voter turnout predictions are often based on absentee voting numbers, but with all the movement in the Republican presidential primary, actual turnout numbers could vary widely.
Hamilton County Elections Deputy Director Sally Krisel says there's another factor affecting predictions. "It's really hard to tell because our walk-ins have been higher than in (2008 and 2012)."
Butler County reports absentee numbers had been lower than in 2008, but began picking up toward the end of last week.
Butler County Deputy Director Jocelyn Bucaro says, "I expect it's largely because the field on the Republican side has changed quite a bit since early voting began in Ohio. I think voters are just waiting to make up their mind at the last moment. We expect a lot of voters will be voting on Election Day."
Clermont County Elections Director Judy Miller echoed Bucaro's sentiment.
Warren County reported the lowest turnout prediction of the four counties who responded to WVXU's request for comment. Director Brian Sleeth says absentee numbers were trending higher than in 2012.
