County election officials aren't taking chances in light of what is expected to be a very large turnout at the polls this November.
An unprecedented level of nationwide interest in the Nov. 4 general election, scheduled for just 55 days from now, is expected to bring voters out in droves to the polls.
"We've ordered enough ballots for a 100-percent turnout," said Heidi Schiers, elections deputy for Blaine County.
As of Monday, Sept. 8, there were 11,837 registered voters in Blaine County. The county has ordered more ballots than that, however, to satisfy absentee voting and the potential for late-registering voters.
Idaho allows same-day registration at the polls. Proof of residency—such as a gas bill with the applicant's name on it—as well as a driver's license or other official identification card is required to register to vote.
Schiers said that during the last general election, officials requested enough ballots to total 82 percent of the county's registered voters. County officials expect this year's ballots, ordered on Monday, to be printed and back to them within two weeks.
Though it's anybody's guess how many voters will show up on Nov. 4, officials are concerned that turnout will be massive and are planning accordingly.
Beginning Sept. 22, county voters can begin to vote in-person by absentee ballot, Schiers said. The final day for in-person absentee voting is 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, the day before the general election.
The deadline to request mail-out absentee ballots in Blaine County is Oct. 29. To apply online for absentee voting go to the Blaine County Web site at www.co.blaine.id.us/ and click on the "Elections" tab.
