Marshall – While the county elections commission and staff are looking at the county’s vote count from the general election earlier this month, the board’s director said his biggest takeaway is that county vote totals continue to climb. said.
“Voter turnout continues to climb and we expect this trend to continue,” said Madison County Election Commission Director Jacob Ray.
Ray said the number of absentee ballots accepted nearly doubled from the 2018 midterm elections to the 2022 elections. In 2018, BOE had his 224 absentee ballots and 155 returns accepted. In 2022, BOE said he had 418 absentee ballots and 299 returns accepted.
Republicans tend to vote on Election Day, while registered Democrats tend to use absentee ballots more often, Wray said.
“We believe that since 2020, Republican voters have voted more often on Election Day, and Democrats have used absentee and early voting methods more frequently,” the Election Commission said. director said.
Citing the increasing spread of misinformation, Ray reminded voters that poll workers are fellow members of the Madison community and deserve to be treated with respect.
“To Madison County residents: As you head to the polls to vote, remember that the poll workers who stood up to serve are also members of your community. Those who step up for elections should be treated with respect and courtesy.Contact your local board of elections office or attend a board of elections meeting. The meeting is open to the public.”
Voter participation in the county increased by about 4% from the 2018 midterm elections to the 2022 elections, according to election officials. Nearly 850 more residents voted in the 2022 election than in 2018, according to information Ray provided. “There were 9,386 voters who voted in 2018 (turnout of 54.21%),” Ray said. “In 2022, he had 10,221 voters (turnout of 58.85%).”
The increase in voter turnout was made possible by donations from Madison residents who volunteered their time to ensure a fair election process, Ray said, acknowledging poll workers’ dedication to service. He expressed his gratitude.
“Myself and the board thank you for your service,” the election official said. “Without you, this election would not have been possible. We are blessed to have wonderful people contributing and serving their communities.”
According to Ray, the Election Commission and staff were also dealing with the cancer diagnosis and death of Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Madelin, which weighed heavily during the election process.
“This is one of the hardest elections I’ve had to run,” Ray said. “The Electoral Commission and staff as a whole have been affected. It feels good to have this behind me.”
