Voter turnout numbers in Buchanan County have county clerk Mary Baack-Garvey optimistic about hitting her forecast of 28 percent.

As of 11 a.m. 8.3 percent of 50,100 registered voters had cast a ballot.  By 3 p.m. that number was up to 16.1 percent.

“I’m still certain 28% is the golden number,” Baack-Garvey said during the latest update.  “Maybe squeeze by with 30%!”

Contested issues in Buchanan County include the republican race for Eastern District Commissioner, the republican race for Buchanan County Sheriff and both the republican and democratic races for 5th Judicial Circuit Court, Division 2, which covers Andrew and Buchanan counties.  Voters will also decide whether or not to pass a 1/4 cent sales tax for Missouri river levee repairs.

Marcia Mckee said the levee tax is an important issue that drew her out to cast a ballot.

“I want to be sure that goes through because I don’t want to be in another flood,” Mckee said. “I was not only in the flood of ’93 here but I lived in Jefferson City at the time and I was flooded down there.  I’m very passionate about the flood issue.”

We talked to several voters who said voting is their civic duty.

“I think it’s my responsibility as a citizen of the country to help pick the right people to lead us,” one voter said.

Polls are open tonight until 7.  For polling locations and ballot information in Buchanan County CLICK HERE.