Tricia Venters, Lawrence, instructs her son Zach Venters, 10, on how to fill out her ballot Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, as she participated in advance voting at the Douglas County Courthouse. Zach, a student at Quail Run elementary will participate in Kids Vote at school Tuesday. Advance voting will continue at the courthouse Saturday from 9 to 3 p.m. and Monday 8-12 p.m.

Heading into the final stage of early voting, Douglas County voter participation trails the last presidential election in 2008.

In 2008, a total of 17,156 advance ballots were cast both in-person and by mail, according to Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew. As of Thursday night, 9,578 ballots voted.

Shew said he has found that precincts with lots of college students are far below the early voting turnout of 2008, while other precincts are having a large turnout.

Shew said he remains confident for a solid turnout on Election Day on Tuesday when polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here’s the remaining schedule for advance voting:

• Douglas County Courthouse, 11th and Massachusetts streets: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. The last time for advance voting at the courthouse is 8 a.m. to noon Monday.

• Lecompton City Hall, Eudora Recreation Center and Baldwin City Fire Department: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today.