GONZALES — Early voter turnout across the capital region has risen sharply compared to the last midterm election, drawing steady crowds to local polling locations.

A consistent stream of residents moved through the Ascension Parish Registrar of Voters office in Gonzales on Thursday afternoon to cast their ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

"It's my day off, and I think that it's important to put your opinion out there. I mean, no matter what happens, at least you did something," voter Lydia Stone said.

Election officials report a significant surge in participation during the early voting period.

"We really have exceeded our numbers from 2022 by about 72%, as of day two four years ago," Ascension Parish Registrar of Voters Shanie Bourg said.

Bourg said in-person early voting in Ascension Parish reached 2,019 on the first day this year—nearly double the 1,144 voters recorded on opening day in 2022.

"A lot of people are unhappy; I mean, no matter what, people should do what they need to do to change things if they want to. If you want to do something about it, then go vote, do something about it," Stone said.

Bourg noted that early voting overall continues to gain popularity as voters choose to avoid potential scheduling conflicts on Election Day.

"Yesterday, we voted 1,871 and in 2022, it was 1,118, and so far today, we've already exceeded," Bourg said.

Early voting numbers are also climbing in neighboring East Baton Rouge Parish. According to Registrar of Voters Steve Raborn, 11,134 people cast ballots through the end of day two, up from 6,488 during the same period in 2022.

Statewide, the Secretary of State's office reports that overall turnout across the first three days of early voting has surpassed levels seen in previous comparable elections.