240 residents cast ballots first morning of early voting

A line of voters several dozen long weaved its way through the basement of the Johnson County Courthouse on Wednesday morning, the first day of early voting.

Votes were cast for presidential candidates Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Gary Johnson and in a plethora of other races down the ballot.

“I always come to early voting,” said Becky Raasch of Greenwood.

Early voting started in Johnson County on Wednesday, with one location in downtown Franklin open all day. In the coming weeks, more locations will be opened and hours will be extended to include the weekends.

Voting started at 8 a.m. Wednesday, and by noon, 240 residents had cast ballots. Election organizers expected a massive rush in the first days of early voting, and are encouraging voters to cast ballots in advance to avoid long lines on Election Day.