Jefferson Parish saw a big increase in the number of people who voted early for the Nov. 6 election, compared to four years ago.

Registrar of Voters Dennis DiMarco says about 21,000 voted early this past week, compared to 15,600 in 2008, an increase of 5,400.

"For not having a major local candidate on the ballot, we think this possibly 21,000 people voting in person is a remarkable feat."

DiMarco believes keen interest in a very close Presidential race was the main driver of the early voting turnout, and he expects it will drive Election Day turnout as well.

"I think people feel very strongly about getting their vote cast, that their one vote may matter."

DiMarco says he expects voter turnout on Nov. 6 to be around 68% to 69% in Jefferson Parish.

Statewide, a record number of voters have cast ballots in advance of the Nov. 6 election.

The Secretary of State's Office says more than 280,000 people — out of 2.9 million registered voters — have voted for next week's election, which includes the presidential race, six congressional races, constitutional amendments, judgeships and local contests around the state.

Meg Casper, spokeswoman for the secretary of state, says early voting turnout has been nearly 25% higher than it was for the last presidential election in 2008.