More than 15 percent of county voters have cast their ballots, and there is still one more business day before the election.

There are about 20,000 registered voters in Newberry County, according to Voter Registration Director Brenda Rogers, and as of this morning more than 2,500 people have voted absentee in Newberry County.

The local office was not open Saturday, but other voter registration offices around the state did open this weekend.

Record turnout is expected for voting tomorrow locally and around the nation. Local polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those voting must be registered and bring their voter registration card or a state-issued photo identification card or driver's license to vote.

Voters are also reminded that no items reflecting a candidate in the election can be brought into polling places. This restriction includes clothing, buttons or any other materials bearing a candidate's image or name.

But local election officials are asking voters to bring patience inside the polling place, as lines may be long.

Polling place changes include Helena and Pomaria. The Helena precinct's polls have been moved from Mount Zion Baptist Church to the Helena Community Center at 902 Giff St. Pomaria voters must now go to the Pomaria Recreation Center located at the old elementary school at 138 Folk St. in Pomaria, instead of Pomaria's Town Hall.

U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins has announced a toll-free number for South Carolinians to report any acts of voter intimidation or voting fraud on election day. The voting section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice will handle calls and notify federal investigators if appropriate.

FBI agents and federal prosecutors with Wilkins' office will also be available to accept election day calls. Contact numbers are as follows: DOJ - Civil Rights 1-800-253-3931, U.S. Attorney's Office: (803) 929-3052; FBI (803) 551-4200.

Local parties are in agreement about at least one thing on election night, an overwhelming vote for Italian food. After the vote count is in, Republican Party members will go to Pharoah's Pizza and the Democrats The Flying Pie, both on Main Street in Newberry.

For more information on the candidates, check out The Newberry Observer's Voters Guide, back issues available at our office, or online at www.NewberryObserver.com. The Observer Web site will also be hosting real results in real time on election night. So click in for the latest.