Despite optimistic reports about voter turnout from the various polling stations, voter turnout in SLO County appeared to be down this year, according to election results announced by the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder early Wednesday.

SLO County had 158,603 registered voters, with only 98,458 (62.08%) submitting ballots thus far, although that number is expected to end up in the high 70% range and maybe even top out at 80%, officials say.

In 2008, there were 161,256 voters, and 134,061 (83.14%) came out.

In Paso Robles, for example, which has had a city hall that’s been plagued by negative press over the past couple years, turnout is currently listed at around 61% for the various issues. In 2008, the city saw some 4,000 more total votes for the city council race than it has thus far in 2012.