Americans are hitting the polls today, bringing an end to one of the most expensive and widely publicized midterm election seasons. As ballots are cast across the country, the media spotlight continues to focus on dueling Democrats and Republicans in some of the most highly-anticipated, too-close-to-call political races.

Meanwhile, according to the Wall Street Journal, millions of voters have already cast their ballots across 30 states, where early in-person votes and absentee ballots constitute a large portion of states’ total votes.

Beginning in the 1970’s, states attempted to boost turnout by allowing voters to cast their ballots early with no excuse necessary to obtain an absentee ballot.

In Nevada, nearly two-thirds of expected votes were cast before election day and in Florida, an estimated 40 percent of voters turned their ballots in early. More than 39 million people voted early in the 2008 election — up from 18.6 million in 2006 — and its popularity continues to grow.

Traditionally, early voters favor Republican candidates but Democrats have made strides in recent years. It is still unclear which party will benefit most from early voting in this year’s election.

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(Source: NJ Star Ledger)