Butler County voters cast more than 6,000 ballots during the first week of early voting for the Nov. 3 general election, the Butler County Board of Elections said.

In-person turnout is running above historical levels, even as mail-in ballot numbers have come in lower, WCPO first reported Monday, Oct. 12. The Board of Elections office in Hamilton is the sole early voting location for West Chester Township, Liberty Township and all other Butler County voters.

Across Butler, Clermont and Warren counties, daily early voting turnout is two to three times higher than the same period in 2022, according to WLWT.

"We're seeing a little bit lower number vote by mail coming in; however, the in-person is definitely seeing a higher number historically," Nicole Unzicker, director of the Butler County Board of Elections, told WCPO.

Hampshire Drive detour starts Oct. 19

Starting Monday, Oct. 19, a traffic detour will change how voters reach the Board of Elections office at 1802 Princeton Road, Suite 600 in Hamilton. Northbound Hampshire Drive will be closed between State Route 129 (SR-129) and Princeton Road during early voting hours.

Drivers on SR-129 should take Exit 18 onto Bypass 4, then follow the detour to Princeton Road. Hampshire Drive will stay open southbound for voters leaving the office and returning to SR-129.

The Board of Elections posted a traffic detour notice Oct. 6, the same day early voting opened.

Remaining early voting hours

Early voting takes place only at the Board of Elections office. Voters must bring an acceptable photo ID.

Oct. 13–16: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Oct. 19–24: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.

Oct. 26–Nov. 1: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday. 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday. 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.

No in-person early voting will take place Monday, Nov. 2, under House Bill 458. The absentee ballot application deadline is 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

Voters with questions can reach the Board of Elections at (513) 887-3700 or at elections.bcohio.gov.