160,000 VOTE EARLY SO FAR IN COUNTY

As early voting reached the halfway point, Nevada voters continued to turn out in droves, with 160,000 going to the polls in Clark County in the first seven days of the 14-day pre-election period.

At the end of voting Friday, about 90,000 Democrats and about 45,000 Republicans had cast ballots; the rest of the voters were nonpartisans or members of minor parties, according to the Clark County Election Department.

Statistics for the rest of the state weren't available Saturday. Nearly 70 percent of the state's voters live in Clark County.

The partisan statistics reflect the party with which voters are registered, not necessarily who is winning the election. Democrats were also turning out in higher numbers than Republicans in key districts including the 3rd Congressional District.

In that suburban Clark County district where U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, a Republican, is trying to win re-election against Democratic state Sen. Dina Titus, about 50,000 Democrats and 29,000 Republicans were among the 94,000 who voted in the district in the first week.

In the state Senate's 5th District, where incumbent Republican Joe Heck faces Democrat Shirley Breeden, 51 percent of the first-week voters were Democrats, 33 percent Republicans. In state Senate District 6, where Republican Bob Beers faces Democratic challenger Allison Copening, 52 percent of first-week voters were Democrats, 33 percent Republicans.

Early voting continues through Friday at malls, community centers, stores and government buildings. Voters should consult the sample ballot they should have received in the mail for hours and locations. Election Day is Nov. 4.

REVIEW-JOURNAL