The Columbus Day Holiday brought a day off for some folks, who took the extra time to vote early.

Peoria's Election Commission office typically opens at 8:30 a.m. but opened 10 minutes early Monday morning.
Election judges say they had not seen a line outside for early voting in several years like they did this time.

"Not even on normal voting. I think everybody that can vote this election will vote," said election judge Anna Bell Brown.

All the voters we spoke with say they've followed this presidential election season much more closely than before.
And many of them say this is the first time they've come out for early voting.

"I had my mind made up so I thought I'll just do it and get it over with," said Delores Draggist.

"I think there's more of a challenge this year than there has been in the past and it's truly more important what the outcome is," said Dan Pemberton.

Voters say unemployment, gas prices and the Iraq war all concern them deeply this presidential election.
Patricia Williams spent the day picking up several people for early voting.

"The middle class needs a break cause we pay so much taxes and things are getting so high and it looks like the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer, and nobody cares."

Even with the long lines during early voting officials still anticipate the same come election day but there's a plan in place for handling that.

"When it gets seven o'clock we have to go outside and look and see if there's a line. If there's a big line one of the judges goes and stands behind the last person," said Brown.

And with high voter registration Peoria Election Commission officials are prepared for a busier season than for the 2004 general election.