DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa has set a record for early voting, reflecting a push by the major political parties to lock in votes from supporters. As of Friday, nearly 584,000 Iowans had voted, already exceeding the 2008 record of 545,000 early votes.  About 70 percent of the votes were absentee ballots sent by mail to the voter’s home. Another 20 percent were cast at county auditor’s offices and about 10 percent at satellite locations designated by local election officials.

A significant number of ballots remain in the hands of voters and could still be returned. Nearly 700,000 voters have requested ballots. They can be returned in person by 9 p.m. Tuesday. If they’re mailed, they must be postmarked by Monday.