Ballot issues lead to early voting surge in Ohio

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ohio's casino gambling issue and other ballot questions in Tuesday's election have led to a surge of early voting.

Election officials in areas including Cleveland and Cincinnati report heavy early voting. Under a 2006 law, anyone can get an absentee ballot and vote early without giving a reason, like illness or out-of-town travel, as required in the past.

In Cleveland and Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County, early voting turnout so far is a record for an odd-year election, when local races dominate.

Heavy early voting may not translate into overall higher turnout, just less crowded polling places on Election Day.

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Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com