New law allows casting ballots Monday

Changes in state law allow voters to begin casting ballots Monday. That gives registered voters more than six weeks to use touch-screen machines at their local election offices or use mail-in absentee ballots instead of waiting until a week before the Nov. 4 presidential election.

Voters do not have to give a reason for voting early or casting an absentee ballot. Election officials say they expect 80 percent of voters to vote in November and are asking people to vote early to cut down on Election Day lines.

Although high turnout may present some challenges, secretary of state spokesman Matt Carrothers says the state is "absolutely" prepared for Election day and has recruited 15,000 poll workers.

(The Associated Press)

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