Highland County seeing steady numbers at the polls

With bright blue skies and temperatures near 60 degrees, election officials say the weather is not physically keeping voters away from the polls - unless the springlike weather is "too nice" and outdoor activities are distracting Highland County residents from casting their votes. 

Steve Witham, of the Highland County Board of Elections, said that "things are going pretty smooth," for the Super Tuesday election. 

Polling places had some trouble with electronic printers during the November general election, Witham said, so workers attempted preempt problems by taking the machines apart, giving them a good cleaning, and making sure they were in good working order prior to the primary election day. 

"We had some problems today with the signature pads on the election poll books," Witham said. "We were able to address that, and everything is fine now."

Highland County has seen a steady turnout, according to Witham, although he said the sunny weather may actually be keeping some people away. 

"We actually though, 'It's 56 degrees, we'll have a great turnout,'" Witham said. "But it is so nice, maybe people are out doing other things. Some polls have been really steady with a really good turnout, but some have been really slow."

The polls close at 7:30 p.m. The Highland County Board of Elections is expected to release the first round of precinct results within the hour of closing. Check back to highlandcountypress.com, and the HCP Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest information.