A significant number of votes regarding the Alpena Public Schools bond request already have been cast, according to local election officials.

As proponents and opponents try to ascertain whether that is good or bad news, one thing is evident: There is interest among voters to participate in the election.

Reporter Steve Schulwitz reported earlier this week that, as of Tuesday afternoon, the Charter Township of Alpena Clerk’s Office had issued 790 ballot applications to registered voters on the township’s list of people who voted by absentee in the past. As of Wednesday afternoon, 484 ballot have been returned.

The City of Alpena, meanwhile, began receiving absentee ballots from voters on March 26 and they are just starting to be returned. According to the city Clerk’s Office, there have been 92 returned, but that number is expected to grow significantly as Election Day nears.

This election marks the first time registered voters can vote absentee without reason, which could account for some of the early participation.

The election will take place May 7.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)