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Indiana early voters turn out in record numbers

 FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – The Indiana State Election board is getting ready for a big turnout May. Voters across the state are already turning out in record numbers to cast their votes ahead of the May 3 primary election.

According to Secretary of State Connie Lawson, 79,973 voters have requested an absentee ballot or participated in early voting, as of April 18. That is compared to 20,084 voters during the same time frame in 2012.

Early voting is up in Allen County, too. So far this election season, 3,666 voters have requested an absentee ballot or participated in early voting, compared to 1,993 in 2012.

“Turnout is normally about candidates and issues,” said Lawson. “This year is no different. We’ve obviously got some very interesting candidates and we’ve got some serious issues. It’s not surprising that we are seeing a larger turnout this year than in 2012.”

The Indiana primary is expected to play key role in this year’s presidential nominating contests. Indiana’s 57 delegates could be the key to who wins the Republican presidential nomination. Lawson said she expects an unprecedented number of voters for the primary election.

“I think all indications are our delegates will make a huge difference in who the Republican presidential nominee will be,” she said. “I think people are taking notice and they are wanting to be apart of it. It’s an important decision to make.”

The Indiana State Election board has been working to make sure all the equipment is working properly to avoid any issues on May 3. Lawson said clerks statewide are encouraging people to take advantage of early voting over the next couple of weeks.