Fifteen days before the next general election, 104,460 Coloradans have returned their ballots.

Republicans led in returns with 42,411, or 41 percent of the total. Unaffiliated voters represented 31 percent, with 31,345 ballots. Registered Democrats turned in 29,432 ballots, or 28 percent of the returns.

Men led slightly in ballots returned, at 51 percent of first-day-counted ballots.

Even though these numbers represent only 3 percent of all voters, historical data from the Secretary of State’s office indicate that this year’s turnout is actually exceeding previous odd-year cycles.

In 2017, slightly over 10,000 Democrats and just under 10,000 unaffiliateds had voted by this point, with Republicans still in the lead with approximately 15,000 returned ballots.

The turnout in 2015 was even lower–about half that of 2017.

“We don’t have a definitive sense [of why the numbers are higher], but it is probably because many counties started mailing ballots on 10/11, which is specific to this year because Columbus Day fell 22 days before Election Day,” said Serena Woods, a spokesperson for Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “When that is the case, counties can begin mailing the Friday prior.”

Colorado law provides for voters to receive mail-in ballots no sooner than 22 days and no later than 18 days before an election.

“I think there’s a lot of enthusiasm for Proposition CC,” said Sen. Lois Court (D-Denver), referring to the statewide ballot measure to end refunds under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. “The other thing is, people are getting more comfortable with mail ballots. It takes people time to get accustomed to getting their ballot mailed to them and using it.”