Election officials say absentee voting in Oconee and Pickens counties is above 2006 participation levels — something they say bodes well for today’s primary races.

More than 900 absentee ballots each were cast in the two counties, nearly doubling the turnout from two years ago.

“It started out slow, but has been pretty steady,” said Pickens County Director of Registrations and Elections Ashley Harris.

Voters desiring to cast absentee ballots had until 5 p.m. Monday to do so, and while Friday marked the last day to request the mailing of absentee ballots, those postmarked by Monday would still be accepted.

In Pickens County, the increased turnout of voters can be attributed to heightened interest in the sheriff, county council, clerk of court and coroner races, while Oconee voters are following the county council races and State House of Representatives race.

Although some races will be decided today, with some Republicans facing Democratic nominees in November, other races will only serve to narrow the field of candidates. That means voters will return to the polls June 24 to vote in runoff elections.

Registration and elections officials say ballots from today’s primary will be officially certified Thursday.