The most recent update of last week’s election results from the Pierce County Auditor’s Office shows an increase in the voter turnout rate in the county, from about 40 percent to nearly 45 percent.

According to the Auditor’s office, of the 351,206 registered voters in Pierce County, 157,530 cast ballots during the the Nov. 6 election, for a voter turnout rate of 44.85 percent.

Of those votes, 130,763 were absentee ballots, and 26,767 were cast at polling places.

The next update of unofficial election results from the Auditor’s office is set for Friday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m.

The Pierce County Auditor’s Office’s Web site is located at:

http://auditor.co.pierce.wa.