While many people are relieved that Election Day has passed, we want to take a look back at this year's process.
Voter turnout was high throughout the country and state. In Hubbard County, 90 percent of the county's eligible voters went to the polls Tuesday, which exceeded the state voter turnout at just under 80 percent.
We are impressed with how smoothly the day went, especially in Hubbard County. Auditor Pam Heeren reported no problems at the precincts, just large numbers of votes cast.
This election demonstrated democracy at its finest. It is our right to participate in elections and vote for our top candidates. Hubbard County residents took advantage of this right and freedom.
More than 11,000 votes were cast in the county. And the number of absentee voters in the general election (1,371) was about equal to the total number of people who voted in the primary election in September (1,381).
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Young voters turned out in record numbers throughout the country, as was reflected in Hubbard County.
According to the auditor's office, there were 1,761 new registrations in Hubbard County. This is great news.
The long lines that were seen at some polling places around the country was gratifying. It is also shows the need to do better in having more workers and voting equipment. This wasn't a large problem in our rural county and our election judges did a fine job managing the high turnout. But maybe something needs to be done on a larger level to make sure voters don't have to wait in line for hours to cast ballots in future elections.
One of the few snags in Minnesota is the too-close-to-call U.S. Senate race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken, which has spurred a mandated recount.
This will cost Hubbard County about $1,000. But if that ensures an accurate vote count, then it is important and necessary.
As the election excitement winds down, we need to look toward the future and hope our newly elected officials will work for us.
