By Michael Kinney

Transcript Writer

Bring a book, some food maybe even an I-pod for those planning on voting today,

Even after more than 3,000 people voted in-person absentee over the weekend, the Cleveland County Election Board once again saw a long line this morning when it opened up for business.

But it appeared to be thinning down some around noon. At noon the line outside the election board stretched only to Main Street. Earlier in the day, it was all the way to the railroad tracks and around the corner to Jones Street for half a block. The average wait was around two hours early.

About 1,280 Cleveland County voters cast their ballots at the election board 122 S. Peters Ave. during in-person absentee voting Saturday, Cleveland County Election Board Secretary Paula Roberts said. About 2,000 people voted Friday during the 10-hour early voting day, she said. During the 2004 presidential election, 979 people cast their ballots on the Saturday before the election.

Early voting at the election board will be available until 6 p.m. today. On Tuesday, all voters in Cleveland County must go to their registered polling location. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The election board is at 122 S. Peters Ave. More information is available at 366-0210.