NATCHEZ — Hectic was the word Election Commissioner Larry Gardner used to describe today’s election so far.

He said precinct confusion has had the phones in his office ringing off the hook.

“It’s been very hectic,” Gardner said. “People are going to the wrong precincts and then calling us to find out where they should vote.”

Voters are going to the precincts where they voted in the three previous city and county elections, and Gardner said voting sites are different for most people in a federal election.

Gardner said with all the confusion it was difficult to determine how the turnout was going.

“I think it has been a good turnout,” Gardner said. “We should be able to get some numbers later today.”

Gardner said other than precinct confusion no problems have been reported.

“There have been no major issues,” Gardner said. “There was one minor issue with one machine this morning but we replaced it.”

Natchez resident Jeanette Patrick said she was excited to get out and vote.

“I need to voice my opinion, and I know who I like,” Patrick said. “I honestly don’t know how it’s going to turn out. It’s going to be interesting.”

For some voters like, Natchez resident Tejuana Johnson, this year’s presidential election was more important than in the past.

“I think this is the single most important presidential election in our history,” Johnson said. “There will be things decided in this election that if they go a certain way, we won’t be able to recover.

“I think it will set the direction for the future of our country.”

But Byron Aldridge said he didn’t think it was important as past presidential elections.

“I think it’s more up to Senate and Congress when it comes to change,” Aldridge said. “I hope whomever the next president is, he can unite the senate.”

Leigh Pyron said, as she has gotten older, the presidential election has become more important to her. She said pays more attention to where candidates stand on issues like health care, debt and the economy.

“I’m more involved now. I’m older and have a family,” the mother of three said. “I think the older you get, it becomes more important.”

Polls remain open until 7 p.m. today in Adams County and until 8 p.m. in Concordia Parish.