Smooth voting

Presidential elections always bring out more voters than just about any other elections, and this year's contest with its history-making potential, regardless of which party won, was bound to bring out more voters than ever. And that's exactly what happened.

Following turnout trends across the nation, Cape Girardeau County voters came out in larger numbers than ever before, with a total of 37,593 voters taking advantage of gorgeous Election Day weather to go to the polls -- including those who voted by absentee ballots.

There had been concerns that a huge turnout would overwhelm polling places, perhaps delaying the outcome of national, state and local contests. But those fears were unfounded. Election officials not only anticipated the large number of voters, but also took steps to make sure voters could cast their ballots without significant delays.

Election Day polling places were geared up for the anticipated crush of voters. Americans who wanted to vote last Tuesday were able to do so without many of the snafus that have plagued previous elections.

In Cape Girardeau County, voting went as smoothly as veteran political observers can ever remember. Early crowds of voters who showed up at some polling places even before the polls opened created some minor delays. But by midmorning, most polling places were handling the steady stream of voters quickly and efficiently.

Hats off to County Clerk Kara Clark and the many election workers who made the voting in Cape Girardeau County go so well. Good planning, plenty of voting stations and well-trained polling-place workers produced excellent results.