COEUR d'ALENE - After a flurry of early voting, today is the last day that Kootenai County residents can vote absentee in-person at the Elections Office.

A large chunk of county voters have already cast their opinions, with 15,000 ballots submitted by mail and in person, the county clerk announced on Thursday.

"This is a big election. The whole country is watching," said Clerk Cliff Hayes. "I'm not surprised."

The Elections Office has been prepped to meet the demand, with about 18 voting booths set up to accommodate the crowds, Hayes said.

The office saw 604 people vote in-person on its busiest day this election cycle.

"They handled it. They're doing a good job," he said of the elections staff. "But no question about it, it has been busy."

Seven poll worker training sessions have been held in preparation for Election Day.

"I do expect a big turnout," Hayes said.

But maybe not long lines, as roughly 20 percent of county voters have already cast a ballot.

"I don't think the polls should be too busy," Hayes said.

Races on the Nov. 6 ballots will include the U.S. president, Idaho 1st district congressman, the county optional form of government and three statewide referendums regarding schools.

It also includes county races, two state constitutional amendments, state legislature races, a judge magistrate and the North Idaho College trustees.

A Northern Lakes Fire Protection District bond, an Alpine Meadows Water and Sewer District bond, and Kootenai-Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors election will also appear on ballots.

The Elections Office at 1808 N. Third St. in Coeur d'Alene is open today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The deadline for requesting a mailed absentee ballot has passed.

For those who don't vote today, the last chance is going to their regular polling place on Tuesday.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Voters can find their polling locations at: www.kcgov.us/elections/search/. Sample ballots and polling locations were also published in The Press on Thursday.

Voters can register and vote at the polls on Nov. 6. Proof of 30-day county residency is required for registering or re-registering.

Photo ID is also required. If a voter is registered, a personal ID affidavit can be signed in lieu of photo ID.

Hayes said most of this election's poll workers have helped with county elections in the past.

"I hope we're prepared," he said. "We ask the public to vote, and we hope it goes smooth."