Historic absentee voter turnout seen in Madison County

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In-person voting for the november 3rd election is a week away.

But thousands of citizens in madison county have already sent in or requested their absentee ballots ahead of election day!

You're taking a look at the long lines at the madison county court house today.

Some people had to wait in line for hours!

We've told you before about officials expecting record numbers of ballots.

Today -- we learned there's been an increase of more than 250-percent in madison county - with still two days left to request a ballot!

Waay-31's bridget divers spoke with the madison county probate judge about how absentee voting has been going this election season.

The madison county courthouse is offering its absentee voter assistance services for 2 more days.

And today -- hundreds of people waited outside to make sure they're able to cast their vote.

Judge frank barger/ madison county probate judge "we're seeing historic turnout for absentee.

You know last week at our peak the longest wait was probably 45 minutes to a hour.

That of course has changed and we warned folks very early in this process don't wait till the last few days."

Madison county probate judge frank barger says that even with lengthly wait times the courthouse is going to make sure your vote gets counted.

"please keep in mind we're going to make sure that everyone in line gets processed and so it operates until 4:30, if you're in line at 4:30 we're going to make sure your absentee ballot, that you have the opportunity to complete paperwork and get that turned in while you're here."

And judge barger says madison county will have one of the hightest turnouts for absentee voting in the state.

"the numbers are very very high.

As of yesterday we were at about 36,000 absentee ballots requested and or voted in person.

And so that's a very high number we've only seen around, that number be around 10,000 in past presidential elections."

The county will be closer to a three hundred percent increase for absentee ballots requested and or voted in person for a presidential election by the cutoff on thursday.

"the cutoff to vote absentee in person is the 29th.

That's also the last day you can request a ballot."

Your absentee ballot must be received by the courthouse or by the absentee election manager by noon on novemeber 3rd to be counted.

In huntsville, bridget divers, wayy-31 news.

If you have concerns about putting your absentee ballot in the mail - a drop-off point is located at the madison county courthouse.

The last day to drop-off your absentee ballot is monday, november