WASHOE COUNTY REGISTRAR UPDATES ESTIMATED EARLY VOTER TURNOUT;

REMINDS VOTERS TO OBSERVE RESTRICTIONS ON ADVOCACY WHEN THEY VOTE

Reno, Nevada. October 30, 2008. Washoe County Registrar of Voters Dan Burk has revised his prediction of how many people will cast their ballots during early voting. Earlier this month, Burk had estimated 55,000 people would vote early, comprising about 25% of total registered voters.

However, given that early voter numbers totaled 78,403 as of end of voting Wednesday, October 29^th, Burk has now revised his early voting estimate to approximately 95,000 or more with two days left. October 29^th also set a new one-day early voting record with 10,145 people turning out yesterday to vote.

“It’s very clear at this point that we have set a new record for early voters,” Burk stated. “The unknown is how much higher we will go in breaking our previous early voter record.”

For the 2006 general election, 41,906 voters turned out for early voting---a new record at that time. The 2008 general election will see at least double those numbers.

“I think it’s very feasible that early voters and absentee voters could account for nearly 50% of our total voter turnout,” Burk added. “If so, that will certainly reduce the wait times voters will see on Election Day.”

No Advocacy Reminder. Burk also wants to remind voters of the state law that prohibits advocacy of a candidate or ballot question less than 100 feet from a polling place. Known as “electioneering”, this type of advocacy is not restricted to people carrying signs, but also to voters who enter the polling place wearing buttons, clothing or other items that advocate for a candidate, party or ballot question outcome. The same is true for items advocating not voting for a particular candidate, party or issue.

“Working with the Secretary of State, we’ve tried very hard to create a non-partisan atmosphere within 100 feet of the polling place as well as in the polling location itself,” Burk said. “While we’re happy to see people so excited about the election outcome, we must remind them to observe the restrictions against any kind of advocacy within 100 feet of the polling location.”

The restrictions on election advocacy are enforced by poll workers who may ask voters to cover up their clothing or remove their buttons when they enter the polling location. In extreme cases if a voter is unwilling to comply, law enforcement will be called.

“We’ve gotten a few complaints from voters regarding advocacy in the polling places,” Burk said. “Usually people are cooperative once we make them aware of the restrictions. We just want to remind them and ask for their cooperation in advance.”