INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Early voting is off to a strong start in Indiana’s two largest cities as voters begin casting ballots in person to help decide this year’s presidential, U.S. Senate and governor’s races.

Officials say more voters cast early ballots Monday in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne than during the first day of early in-person voting in 2008.

Marion County Clerk Beth White says Monday’s 776 early ballots broke the previous first-day record of 679 cast in 2008. She says voting remained strong Tuesday at her downtown Indianapolis office.

Allen County elections director Beth Dlug says her Fort Wayne office was “crazy” Tuesday with a surge of early voters a day after 556 people cast early ballots. Monday’s count was up from 417 votes cast during 2008’s first day of early voting.