GREEN BAY (NBC26) -- Green Bay officials said the city experienced a historic number of early voting this year, and hope that will lead to a smooth Election Day.
As of Saturday, the Green Bay Clerk's Office received 30,543 absentee ballots, which represents about 54 percent of registered voters in Green Bay.
"We've seen history-making numbers of absentee ballots come in and as a result election night is going to look a little bit different," said Eric Genrich, mayor of Green Bay.
With the large number of early votes cast, 16 polling site and 683 volunteers, Genrich said there could be less congestion at the polls on Election Day. This will allow increased COVID-19 and general safety protocols.
Genrich said staff and volunteers will implement social distancing at all polling sites. Plexiglass barriers will be up with extra sanitizing and cleaning procedures in place. Voters are encouraged to wear masks.
There are 14 more polling sites for the presidential election than there were in April, including Lambeau Field Johnson Tailgate Village.
"We think we've got a good place there," said Aaron Popkey, director of public affairs for the Green Bay Packers. "Lots of space. Lots of parking. Everyone at Lambeau Field is excited and urging people to get out and vote if you haven't already done so."
Genrich said the city had a stable absentee voting process thus far, and expects the same level of security to continue on Election Day.
"This is something of utmost importance to us, is to make sure every single valid ballot is counted in the city of Green Bay," Genrich said.
All ballots will be counted on Nov. 3. Genrich said they expect to have all ballots counted late Tuesday or in the early morning hours of Wednesday.
Genrich said there are over 3,000 people who requested a ballot, but haven't returned it yet. He encouraged those people to take advantage of the city's five drop box locations.
Polling sites in Green Bay can be found here.
