Absentee ballot counting underway in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Election workers are processing absentee ballots at Central Count in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

The process started at about 8:30 a.m. and is expected to take about 12 hours.

Deputy Director Kimberly Zapata told CBS 58 they're seeing about a 77% return rate on absentee ballots.

They sent out about 36,500 and received just under 28,000 so far.

Election workers are checking to make sure all required information is filled out correctly and accurately before the machines process the ballots.

About 80 election workers are at Central Count.

"Everything is running really smoothly. We're a really efficient and accurate team," Zapata said.

Those who have not returned their absentee ballots can still do so on Election Day.

They can be dropped off at City Hall until 7 p.m. or at Central Count until 8 p.m.