MONROE — With 63,404 registered voters in Union County, only 15.5 percent, or 9,862 residents, cast their ballots.

Numbers will not be official until Nov. 10, but show a significantly lower turnout than last year, when residents also voted for president. Nearly 87,000 residents voted last year for a 77 percent voter turnout.

Union County Board of Elections Director John Whitley called this year’s turnout “disappointing” and “very low.” Whitley was not sure why so few people voted.

Election volunteer Dick Wright visited precincts in Indian Trail, Stallings and Weddington. “Voting is such a great part of our freedom,” he said, adding that he’s unsure why younger generations seem to skip that privilege.

A total of 116 residents worked the polls at 32 voting locations.

Libby Nash was stationed in Waxhaw and said there was a “steady flow” of voters all day. Her location had 50 percent turnout, with the youngest voter at 18 and the oldest at 81.

Other polls saw people in waves, getting many visitors before work and after school hours.

Winners take office in December.