MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Secretary of State Beth Chapman said that approximately 72.37% of voters went to the polls yesterday to cast their vote. She had predicted between 72 and 74 percent. In 2008, the state saw around 73% turnout at the polls. “This was the second historic election in the past four years with the highest turnout numbers we have ever seen in this state,” Chapman explained.
Long lines were prevalent among the precincts throughout the state, but Chapman said that did not dissuade people from making their voice heard. "There have been many people who fought and died for our right to cast a ballot on Election Day. I believe that people came out, stood in the long lines and waited, and ensured that they did not take that precious right for granted," Chapman said.
In the last year, Boards of Registrars across the state registered around 300,000 new voters. That is also positive, according to Chapman. "When we have major elections such as the Presidential Election, it always heightens awareness and alerts people that they certainly need to be registered to vote if they are not already," Chapman stated.
With a few reported problems, all in all it was a good night for the State of Alabama. "Our office will continue to process complaints and address any issues after Tuesday is over; however, I appreciate the hard work and effort put in by the local officials who make elections run as smoothly as possible in their counties," Chapman said.
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