UPDATE: Laurel Election Turnout Outpacing 2008 Numbers

For the latest info, see our companion story here.

This story was updated at 4:38 p.m.

Voter turnout in the 2011 Laurel Election is already outpacing numbers made in the 2008 general election, according to city officials.

By 3:30 p.m. election day, 808 voters had cast ballots at the city’s two voting polls. In addition, 233 votes were cast during last week’s early voting. By comparison, 2008’s general election drove only 408 voters to the polls, according to city clerk’s office.

During the morning hours, candidates and volunteers packed into poll parking lots hoping to snag undecided voters at they made their way in.

“It’s been good,” said Laurel Councilwoman Donna L. Crary, who is running unopposed, as she stood outside the . “It’s been constant.”

Council President Mike R. Leszcz said he’s been camped out at the Laurel Municipal Center since late last week managing to hold steady during the weekend’s heavy rain and snowfall.

“I’m doing my job. I’ve been out her for four days,” he said.

Voters, too, said they were doing their jobs by casting ballots.

“There was a level of interest in this year’s campaign,” said voter Michelle Holmes, 64, as she left the Laurel Municipal Center. “The stagnant business [growth] and Laurel Mall” were all concerns, she said.

Previous Story

Voters in the City of Laurel took to the polls this morning to cast ballots for the 2011 Laurel Election, and while turnout was average at polls in Ward 1, election officials said that overall turnout remained steady throughout the morning.

Kim Rau, clerk to the city council, said that by 9:30 a.m. 103 votes had been cast in the Ward 2 voting poll at the and anywhere from 90 to 175 votes had been cast in the Ward 1 voting poll at the Laurel Municipal Center. In addition, 233 votes were cast during last week's early voting period.

Polls close at 8 p.m.

Be sure to stick with Laurel Patch for a live broadcast and updates during the vote count tonight at the Laurel Municipal Center. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @LaurelPatch for live updates.