The residents of what is likely to be the presidential election’s most critical swing state are already casting their votes. With a few days to go, 1.6 million people in the state have already voted for president. About a million of the votes cast have been absentee ballots, which are now at an 85 percent return rate for those mailed out. “Voting has gone smoothly in Ohio, and we expect that trend to continue through the close of the polls on Election Day,” Secretary of State Jon Husted said. A statewide poll released Saturday found Obama leading Romney by a significant six points in the Buckeye State.
By Diane Sweet
— November 4, 2012