Franklin County voters cast about 400 ballots per hour on Tuesday, Oct. 6, the first day of early voting for the Nov. 3 general election.

Board of Elections Director Antone White told 10TV that about 100 people were in line at one point Tuesday morning. The board also mailed its first batch of 70,000 absentee ballots the same day.

White said he expects Franklin County turnout to reach about 55% for the general election, matching the 2018 rate.

Hilliard resident James Bea was among those who voted early Tuesday. He told 10TV the process moved quickly: "From the time I got into the parking lot to the time I got out, it was probably around a half an hour."

Early in-person voting runs through Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road, Columbus. All Franklin County voters who choose early in-person voting, including Hilliard residents, vote at that location.

Hours change as Election Day approaches. Through Oct. 23, the office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 24, hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The final week adds evening and weekend hours. On Monday, Oct. 26, and Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 28–30, the office is open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Oct. 27 is also the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail.

Ohio law requires a valid, unexpired photo ID to vote in person. Accepted forms include an Ohio driver's license or state ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, and military or Veterans Affairs ID cards, according to the Ohio Secretary of State's office. Voters without an approved photo ID can cast a provisional ballot but must present acceptable ID to the Board of Elections within four days after Election Day.

A 24-hour drop box sits at the Morse Road location. All ballots must reach the Board of Elections by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27

Voters with questions can call the Franklin County Board of Elections at (614) 525-3100 or visit the Board of Elections website.