(CHICAGO) Illinois voters may begin casting their ballots for the Nov. 8 election.

Early, in-person voting starts Thursday in Illinois and runs through Nov. 7.

In many of Illinois’ most populous counties, election officials will be operating multiple early voting centers. Some will be open on Saturdays.

In rural areas, voters will cast ballots at their county clerk’s office.

Voters can find an early voting location by visiting the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Steven Sandvoss is executive director of the state board. He says early voting has proven to be a popular option in Illinois because of the convenience.

In November 2012, more than 1 million voters cast ballots early. That was about 22 percent of the total ballots cast.

___

Online: www.elections.il.gov
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.