Voters turn out early to cast ballots

VOTERS trying to beat the US election day rush turned out early in such large numbers in many precincts that they created their own crowds, standing in long lines that snaked down the street, sometimes before the polling places even opened.

Umbrellas and raincoats were needed yesterday from Texas to the lower Great Lakes, and snow-covered roads were a problem in the Texas Panhandle.

Besides the presidency, voters were filling 34 Senate seats, 11 governorships and all 435 House seats. Both parties had pushed to increase turnout among their supporters, and even with early voting in many states, tens of millions were headed to the polls before the long election day wound to a close.