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Washington, November 1, 2008 – If you ever needed a sign of how interested Ohio voters are in this year's election, just stop by your local county elections office during early voting.

On Friday, 9News crews saw some of the longest lines ever in Hamilton County , with voters waiting to cast their ballots.

We've started seeing early vote lines not only go down Broadway in front of the Hamilton County Board of Elections, but around the corner and down the alley next door.

Election officials say they're seeing thousands of people every day during early voting, the biggest crowds coming in the last few days.

During the lunch hour on Friday, 9News saw hundreds of people patiently waiting as early voting lines.

On average, early voters tell us it's taking about 45 minutes for voters to get through the line to vote.

Most say the wait is worth it.

Early voter Mary McClain, of College Hill, says, "I found it more pleasant than I anticipated. The lines move constantly and they're very efficient upstairs."

Just past the electioneering boundary from the front door, where you'll see an American flag hanging from a street pole, we have always found supporters passing out literature.

But now, we're finding more candidates, from both parties, also taking advantage of early voting to meet and greet voters personally.

Steve Brinker is the Democratic candidate for Hamilton County Treasurer. He says, "Any kind of face-to-face contact is the most effective you can have to me. This is like being able to get to 153 polling places simultaneously."

Although Obama supporters were first to show up in this early voting line, they've been joined by McCain-Palin supporters and more local Republican candidates.

Republican Court Clerk candidate Patricia Clancy was there. She says, "It's great. People are very nice and friendly. They are not impatient at all as they are waiting. They're anxious to vote."

In the several hours 9News spent covering early voting over the past few weeks, we have not heard any complaints about having supporters and candidates soliciting voters in line.

Voter Christine Townsell, of Sharonville, says, "There was no problem. Everything was cordial. Nobody got too close to solicit your vote."

Dorrin Hill, of Bond Hill, adds, "It's well worth it. I called earlier and he said the lines were moving. I came on down. I'd rather do it today, than wait until Tuesday."

Early voting will continue at all county elections boards in Ohio , on Saturday morning, from 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. until 12 noon. It will continue again during regular business hours on Monday.

Ohio voters don't need to bring a photo ID or drivers' license for early voting, just knowing their Ohio drivers' license number, last four-digits of their social security numbers or have some other proof of address, like a utility bill with your name and address on it.

In Kentucky and Indiana , absentee voting there will continue on Monday morning at County Clerk of Court offices.

Copyright 2008 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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