Less than a third of the number of Hoosiers who voted early in 2012 have turned out ahead of Election Day this year, but experts say the potential impact of expected low voter turnout is unclear.
Only about four percent of Hoosiers cast an early ballot by Friday – that’s compared to 22 percent in 2012, and 14 percent in 2010. Voting in the May primary was at an historic low.
But political analyst Ed Feigenbaum says low turnout doesn’t necessarily help either Republicans or Democrats.
“The thing about low turnout is that almost anything can happen because we just don’t know precisely who’s going to be showing up to the polls,” Feigenbaum said.
In addition, he says low turnout in rural areas, for instance, will probably help Republicans, while fewer voters in Democratic strongholds such as Indianapolis likely gives Democrats a boost.
State GOP Chair Tim Berry says low turnout is a concern.
“Sometimes you get scary results, unintended results," Berry said. "So that’s why we’re certainly working to push as many voters towards the polls.”
State Democratic Party Chair John Zody says a low turnout election helps no one and that Democrats are invested in voter outreach.
Precincts in Indiana close Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m.
Voters can find their polling place at the state's voter registration website.
