Absentee voting began last week, and election officials already are predicting a possible record turnout for the Nov. 6 general election.

As of Friday, Covington County Circuit Clerk Roger Powell had issued more than 110 applications for absentee ballots.

The big draw: the presidential race.

“Not to be confused with Tuesday’s municipal runoff race,” Powell said. “People are steadily coming in, and we’ve had a line a couple of times. We are encouraging anyone who knows they will be out of town on that day to vote absentee – and do it early.

“The last day to apply is Nov. 1, and while that’s still a month away, it will slip past, if you’re not careful.”

Powell said he expects 700 to 800 absentee ballots for the November General Election.

Applications are available at the Covington County Courthouse or online at alabamavotes.gov. The voters must hand-deliver the ballots or send them via U.S. mail.

Officials at the Covington County Board of Registrars said the voter roll has climbed in recent weeks; however, total numbers weren’t readily available.

“For us, our numbers have increased not only because of the Nov. 6 election, but also because of Tuesday’s municipal runoff election,” said Birdie Smith. “We’ve got three runoffs in the county – Opp, Red Level and Gantt.”

Smith said the deadline to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 26.

The last day to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 1, and for those with medical or business emergencies the deadline is Nov. 5.