Election Day is Nov. 4, but early voting begins across the state Thursday. Registered voters -- and even eligible residents who still haven't registered -- will have more than two weeks to cast ballots during the early voting period. Early voting ends Nov. 1.

Elections officials are prepared for record turnout and are encouraging voters to vote early or mail in an absentee ballot to avoid long lines Nov. 4. But there are no guarantees that voting early will be a quick experience.

"We try very hard to keep the lines to a minimum, but it's going to be very difficult for this election, with the interest that people have," said Johnnie McLean, a deputy director of the State Board of Elections.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER

People who have lived in the state 30 days before Election Day, who are U.S. citizens and who will be at least 18 years old on Nov. 4 are eligible to register and vote during early voting. Convicted felons who have completed their sentences, including probation and parole, are also eligible. To register, bring identification showing name and current address, such as: a driver's license, military ID, or a utility bill. Students can use a school ID if they also show school correspondence that shows the their address. College students should register in the jurisdiction they call home. Anyone who registers during early voting must vote during the early-voting period.

PICKING YOUR MOMENT

Avoiding lines requires some luck. Election officials say the busiest days are the first and last days of early voting and the busiest times are at lunch and just after work. All one-stop voting sites will be open during business hours Monday through Friday, although opening and closing times vary. Some counties will have sites open on weekends. Early voting ends at 1 p.m. Nov. 1. On Election Day, anyone in line when the polls close can vote. During early voting, that decision is up to the county elections board.

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