Voter turnout a little different than in years past

It was a smaller turnout than originally expected at many polling locations Tuesday. But the total number of voters in our area was record breaking. Voters moved through the polls quickly on election night, but this year's crowd was a little different from past elections. By election night, many people were relieved to finally step back and watch the results come in. Local board of elections says this year’s crowd was smaller and unique. ”A lot of people that haven't voted for twenty or thirty years came out to try and make this work for some reason,” said Dennis Boyles of Pender County Board of Elections. New Hanover County Board of Elections said they noticed an increase in younger, first-time voters. Both new voters and veterans voted early. Bonnie Williams is the New Hanover County Board of Elections director who also noticed the difference. “We voted more people absentee, which is a combination of one stop voting sites, early voting as most people see it, and absentee by mail.” All the absentee ballots helped many avoid crowds on Election Day. It wasn't smooth sailing for all who waited to head to the polls. Some voters are still waiting to find out if their vote will count. Poll workers use provisional ballots if there is any question about a voter's registration. Williams said the experience election officials got this year can help in future elections. Despite surprising victories by some Democrats, the Board of Elections said there were no more straight party votes than in past elections in the area.