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By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press Writer BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) Record numbers of Montana voters are expected to cast early ballots this election season, as a tight presidential race stokes interest and more people take advantage of laws that allow anyone to vote absentee.

The heavy pace of voters requesting absentee ballots stretches from Republican strongholds such as Yellowstone County to Democratic bastions including Butte-Silver Bow, according to an informal Associated Press survey of the state's most populous counties.

More than 128,000 absentee ballots have been sent out, according to the latest figures from the Secretary of State's office. County election officials say that figure exceeds previous records for ballots distributed.

Nearly 11,000 absentee ballots have already been returned. They will not be opened until Nov. 4.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-13-08 1145CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list