Early voting underway across Ohio

DAYTON (WDTN) - Election day is still weeks away, but early voting is already underway.

Hundreds voted today in Montgomery County during the first day for early voting.  Officials said if the crowds keep up, they will be on pace to exceed the number of early votes cast in 2008, when nearly 30% of all Ohio voters cast their ballot before election day.

"It probably exceeds what we experienced in the last Presidential election," said Deputy Director Steve Harsman. "Of course we don't have weekend hours, so we're not sure if this is an indicator but, it's definitely a good start. Everything is going very smoothly and we couldn't be more happy".

Harsman said Presidential election years historically have bigger turnouts and he expects the next few weeks will be no exception.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is encouraging voters to cast their ballots early to help alleviate long lines on November 6th.

"I didn't want to draw it out any longer," said voter, Sylvia Rogers. "I hear the debates everyday and I wanted just to get it over with".