Voter turnout brisk in Orange County

Election volunteers reported a brisk pace at local polling places Tuesday. Lines had already formed in front of Costa Mesa City Hall and the Neighborhood Community Center when poll workers arrived at 6 a.m.

“There’s been a steady stream of voters,” said Colleen Tucker, a poll worker at the Costa Neighborhood Community Center.

Early voters braved a morning rain shower, standing under an awning at the community center at 6 a.m. to avoid getting wet, Tucker said.

Election officials reported voter turnout at 44.17% at 5:30 p.m. Friday, not including absentee ballots and early voters, said Brett Rowley, a spokesman for the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Voter turnout was expected to be high — about 74% county wide, he said.

“There have been lines, but not like we’ve seen in neighboring counties,” Rowley said.

Costa Mesa and Newport Beach police reported no problems at poling places late Tuesday.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.