Voter turnout numbers high

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

Oklahoma City voters will decide whether to approve a $121 million plan that would make improvements to the Ford Center and build a practice facility to help lure an NBA team.

And election officials tell us this special election should bring more voters to the polls than usual.

NEWS 9's Charles Bassett has been watching polling places today.

Turnout is better than what you see during a regular special election. There are a lot of factors driving people out to the polls.

First, there are people who support the tax and there are those who oppose it so they are making their voices heard.

Also, weather you couldn't ask for a better conditions than what we're seeing today.

More than 2,000 people have taken advantage of early voting and cast their ballots.

And let's not forget publicity, voting officials say that will have a huge impact on turnout.

"The campaigns both for and against have been more active," Doug Sanderson of the Oklahoma County Election Board said. "It's been more visible in the news media, the issue surrounding this election. So, all of those things equate to a higher interest and a higher turnout."

The city had a nine percent turnout during a special election back in December. Voting officials predict a 30 to 40 percent turnout today.

If you haven't made it to the polls, they are open until 7:00 p.m. in Oklahoma County.

Other communities around the metro have issues on the ballot today as well. In Moore, Bethany and Yukon voters are deciding whether to approve school bonds, and voters in Moore are deciding a mayoral election.

Norman and Warr Acres voters are also voting on city council seats.