(October 20, 2008)—Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade is encouraging Texans to vote early in the upcoming general election.

Andrade says voters should take advantage of the “convenience afforded by the early voting period."

“We anticipate a large voter turnout for the general election. By voting early you can avoid the long lines we expect to see on Election Day”, Andrade said in a press release.

There are currently about 13.4 million registered voters registered across the State.

Voters may cast their ballot at any early voting location within their county during the early voting period.

Voters are reminded to to bring their voter registration certificate with them to the polls to expedite the voter check-in process.

If the registration certificate is unavailable, the voter will still be allowed to vote if they present valid, state issued identification such as a driver’s license of identification card.

Early voting takes place from October 20-31.