Thursday marks the first day that absentee ballots are sent out in Iowa, marking about a five-week period in which Iowa voters can turn in their ballots before Election Day. Marion County Auditor Jake Grandia says that already 2000 absentee ballots have been requested, which is higher than previous elections. Overall, the office expects between 8000 and 9000 absentee ballots to be requested over the next month or so. There are around 24,000 registered voters total in the county.

Democrats are meeting this morning at their headquarters across the from the Courthouse for a breakfast. At 9am, they plan on going across the street to cast their ballots.