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Analysis

ST. LOUIS - Absentee voting is underway in Missouri and Illinois, and some counties are expecting record turnout for this historic presidential election. In this city of 206,000 registered voters, more than 80 percent turnout is expected.

In the 2004 presidential election, about 20 percent of votes were cast early. This year, some experts predict one-third off all ballots will be cast before election day.

In Missouri, absentee voting began on Sept. 23 and continues until 5 p.m. the day before the Nov. 4 general election.

State law requires that absentee voters expect to be out of town on election day. Exceptions for religion and other reasons are also made. Check with your local election board for specific legal questions.

In Illinois, absentee voting begins on Sept. 25.

Illinois also has early voting for everyone, whether or not you will be out of town on election day. Early voting in Illinois begins Oct. 14 and ends Oct. 30.

The voter registration deadline is Oct. 7 in Illinois and Oct. 8 in Missouri.

For questions, here are some web links and phone numbers:

St. Louis City, Missouri

stlelections.com

(314) 622-4336

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St. Louis County, Missouri

stlco.com/elections

(314) 615-1804

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St. Clair County, Illinois

stclaircountyclerk.com

(618) 277-6600 ext.2380

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