VOTEThe early voting period ended Friday afternoon for the Republican and Democratic Primaries with heavy turnout, especially on the last day.  Overall, 2013 ballots were cast in the Republican Primary and 148 in the Democratic.

Brown County elections office officials said that the numbers increased as the week progressed with over 500 votes cast in the Republican Primary on Friday alone.

Several contested Republican races are one reason their primary has had such heavy turnout. One of the most heated races for county Republicans is the run for Brown County Judge which includes incumbent Ray West and challengers Lewis Lehman and Joe Cooksey.

The Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace race has also been a bit heated between incumbent Bryan Thompson and challengers Mike Barr and David Gray. None of the candidates for county offices in the Democratic Primary have opponents.

Voters who did not vote early can cast their ballots on Tuesday when the poll are open from 7am-7pm. CLICK HERE for a list of voting locations by precinct.