Voter turnout in Bonneville County expected to hit record

The polls in Bonneville County have definitely had their moments of chaos and calm.

At times, they were packed and other times voters were able to get in and get out without having to wait very long.

Bonneville County Clerk, Ron Longmore, said when county polls opened at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, workers knew they would be crowded.

“I’m estimating an 80 percent turnout at this election,” said Longmore. “I expect we’ll be processing over 40,000 votes here in Bonneville County.”

Take that estimated 40,000 and add an additional 1,000 submitted absentee ballots and elections workers say the number could be the county’s new record.

Some voters did have a little trouble casting their ballots, though.

“After waiting for a very long time, I’m not supposed to be voting here,” said Lillian Pyper, Bonneville County voter.

Pyper, a first-time Idaho voter, visited a couple of different precincts before finding the right one, but she said the wait wouldn’t stop her from voting.

“I’m very passionate about voting. I’m a soon to be teacher, so I’m very passionate about the propositions,” said Pyper.