Half of all registered voters in Travis County turned out during the two weeks of early voting in October, according to Travis County election officials, and workers say the number will grow as mail-in ballots are counted.

Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir Monday said 300,218 ballots were cast during early voting, representing 49.28 percent of the county's voters. During the 2004 presidential election, Travis County has a 38 percent turnout during early voting.

DeBeauvoir said she expects Election Day turnout to be strong, with up to 200,000 more votes cast on Tuesday. That could be an 80 percent turnout in Travis County -- a record.

"We expect Election Day voters to contribute significantly to the record-breaking totals being set in this election," DeBeauvoir said in a news release. "We are doing everything we can to make it more convenient for voters, but we do hope that voters will try to vote earlier on Election Day if possible."

Traditionally, 40 to 50 percent of Election Day voters have voted mid-afternoon or later on Election Day.

The Texas Secretary of State's Office predicts a 68 percent voting turnout statewide.

"There is a lot of energy across Texas regarding this election. We have seen it in early voting and I think it will translate into heavy voter turnout on Election Day," said Secretary of State Hope Andrade, in a news release. "Working with local election officials across the state, we are prepared to accommodate a large turnout. I urge all registered Texans that did not vote early to go to the polls Tuesday and cast a ballot for the candidates of their choice."

Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

State officials suggest:

-- Bringing your voter registration certificate or other acceptable form of identification.

-- Being prepared by reviewing a sample ballot.

-- Following instructions.

-- Being patient if there is a line.