Don't they have a master list of registered voters for the precint? Everyone voting should appear on the list, then need to sign in as that person on the list.
That would give the number of people voting, and possibly, the party they are registerred with.
I voted touch screen in Washington State; it was our first time; the poor guy couldn't get it to work till someone pointed out you needed to plug in the magnetizer and let it warm up. The screen didn't like it when I didn't vote for those not running against anyone. I hope my vote counted. And then the mag card went back to the top of the pile to be reused and reused. How can they tell my vote from another if everyone used the same card.
I think it unAmerican to go absentee unless I have to, but I might next time. There is something about having to go out and vote to make me feel vested in the process.