Voters casting ballots before Election Day say convenience and short lines are among their top reasons.
Early voting statewide began in Illinois Monday. It runs through Nov. 3. Some election officials say ballots cast before Election Day could top records from 2008. However, the overall number of registered voters is down.
Retiree Beverly Venit voted in Chicago. She's going on vacation during the election. She voted for President Barack Obama. Meanwhile, Chicago voter Troy McEntire says it's his first time voting early. He just didn't want to deal with the hassle on Election Day and says the process took just minutes. He also voted for Obama.
About 1 million Illinoisans - roughly 16 percent of voters - cast early ballots in 2008. The percentages were slightly higher around Chicago.
Our earlier story:
Illinois voters can now cast their early ballots for next month's election. Early voting starts today at locations statewide. It ends Nov. 3.
Voters can cast ballots for the presidential election, state legislative contests and the U.S. House.
Election officials say about 7.4 million people in Illinois are registered to vote.
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