More ballots being turned in early for the Nov. 2 election may mean higher than expected voter turnout.

The Kitsap County Auditor’s Office issued 144,283 ballots — Kitsap is a mail-in ballot county — and has had 46,741 returned as of Wednesday, said Elections Manager Dolores Gilmore.

The office expected a turnout of about 65 percent, but Gilmore said at this rate turnout may be closer to 70 percent.

“This particular election is getting a lot of attention,” Gilmore said.

Currently 533 returned ballots have been set aside as “challenged,” as early reviews found irregularities with the required signature.

The office will release its first count at about 8 p.m. on election day, and 5 p.m. each day after.

The election will be certified Nov. 23.