WEIRTON — County election officials expect to see record-breaking numbers in early voting after the first two days.

Early voting began Wednesday in West Virginia; Registered voters were able to visit district courthouses and cast their votes before the November 5 general elections.

“We have been very busy,” said Hancock County Clerk Karan Valenti, explaining that although lines occasionally formed outside the Hancock County Courthouse, his staff dealt with voters quickly.

Valenti noted that he saw 321 residents take advantage of the early voting period on Wednesday. He said that as of 14:00 on Thursday, there were a total of 602 voters between the two days.

Hancock County voters who wish to participate in in-person early voting can do so by visiting the Hancock County Courthouse, 102 North Court St., New Cumberland, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brooke County voters will report to the county courthouse, 632 Main St., Wellsburg, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, during the early voting period.

Secretary of State Mac Warner estimated 33,672 voters turned out in the state on Wednesday, based on preliminary data, calling it the highest turnout in the last few elections.

As an example, one location in Bridgeport reported having more than 1,200 voters, 3,000 of which were cast in Monongalia County and 1,350 in Putnam County.

In Northern Panhandle, Ohio County, 606 voters were reported to have cast ballots on Wednesday

“Confidence in our election systems in West Virginia is high,” Warner said. “Our clerks were ready on Wednesday. Our poll workers were ready. “Voters were also ready to go to the polls.”

In-person early voting in West Virginia began in 2002; the law allowed early voting 10 days before scheduled elections.

This year, early voting will run until November 2.