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HAMILTON — The doors have closed on voter registration, and now it's down to the final four weeks in this year's historic presidential election.

A few hours before the voter registration deadline Monday night, Oct. 6, 13,360 new voters had registered in Butler County since the March primary. In the final week alone, more than 7,600 people showed up to register.

This brings the county's total electorate to roughly 258,000 — and counting, as the Butler County Board of Elections continues processing these new registrants.

Board of elections Director Betty McGary estimated that 80 percent of these people will cast a ballot this year. "I think this year's turnout will be historical," she said.

West Chester Twp. resident Marcus Hicks, 19, rushed on Monday to register for his first presidential election.

He said the race between Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama this year has been "really hyped."

"I feel like it's the final bout," Hicks said. "Like Tyson versus Ali."

He didn't vote when registering, however, because he wanted to take part in the excitement of Election Day, Nov. 4.

But many others couldn't wait. As of Monday's 9 p.m. deadline, 2,140 Butler County residents had voted at the elections office since early voting started Sept. 30. In total, 641 people voted Monday, McGary said.

As of Monday evening, 23,440 people had requested absentee ballots, and more requests still are being processed, she said.

This includes Shannon Thompson, 33, of West Chester Twp. She registered for an absentee ballot.

She said voting at home is easier for her, as she wrangled with an infant in one arm and toddler in tow. She said she is excited about this year's election.