Galvin projects 73 percent voter turnout in Mass.

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Massachusetts election officials estimate high voter turnout in excess of 70 percent on Tuesday, about that same as in 2008.

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin projects 3.1 million of the state's roughly 4.2 million registered voters, about 73 percent, will go to the polls Tuesday.

The intense interest in this year’s election is being driven by not only the Barack Obama-Mitt Romney presidential race race, but also the Elizabeth Warren-Scott Brown senate race.

“This is the election of the century and to me this is so important. I had to vote,” said Ruth Rodrequez, who voted absentee.

Election officials said to expect long lines early in the morning and right after work. The Secretary of State said everyone who shows up before 8 p.m. Tuesday will be allowed to vote.

“There will be a police officer put at the end of the queue. People arriving after 8 o’clock will not be allowed to join the queue. People who are in the queue -- in the line -- will be allowed to vote even if it extends beyond 8 o’clock,” said Galvin.

In addition to the candidates, the ballot contains lengthy ballot questions. Voters are advised to read up on the ballot questions in the red brochures that were mailed out and write down how they want to vote.

Because of the intense nature of the Warren-Brown race, Galvin said the law prohibiting campaigning within 150 feet of a polling place will be rigorously enforced.

Galvin said Tuesday is not about the campaigns, it is about the voters.