Early voting in Madison County and St. Clair County tells two very different stories.
As of noon Thursday, 2,500 Madison County voters have cast early ballots. Add to that absentee ballots, a total of 4,500 people have voted, according to Madison County Clerk Mark Von Nida.
Early voting began Oct. 16 and ends Nov. 2.
Von Nida said that on average mid term elections produce voter turnout in the 45 percent range.
Of the approximate 170,000 registered voters in the county, around 75,000 voters turn out, he said.
In St. Clair County, the number of early voters pales in comparison.
As of Thursday afternoon, 200 voters had cast early ballots.
St. Clair County Clerk Bob Delaney said that approximately 2,000 absentee voters have so far cast ballots, about average for a mid term election.
The only location to vote early in St. Clair County is the County Clerk's office, located on the second floor of the Courthouse, 13 Public Square in Belleville. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 to noon.
Early voting is available at the following Madison County sites Monday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless noted otherwise.
Troy: Tri-Township Library, 209 S. Main St.
Other locations include: