Bay Minette, Ala. — Voting was brisk early Tuesday along the Eastern Shore as voters cast their ballots to decide the fate of a heated gubernatorial race, a debated storm water management local Constitutional Amendment and a Baldwin County Commission seat.

Baldwin County Probate Judge Tim Russell said he expected at least a 40 percent turnout, eclipsing the 30 percent June participation, but less than the 70 percent 2008 presidential election cycle.

“I think lots has happened since the the June primary,” Russell said. “There’s more interest in what elected officials are doing on federal, state and local levels. People want their say. They are concerned about economics.”

Russell said residents of the state’s southernmost county also will benefit by casting their ballots and drawing the attention of the state’s elected officials.

“I really want people to turn out,” Russell said. “The more voters, the better statement of our role statewide. We are viewed as a plum county and a large turnout will get the attention of elected officials about where money needs to be spent.

“Baldwin County has a state voice. We were the reason Gov. Bob Riley was elected.”