Thousands of MA residents have voted already

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Although early voting technically isn't allowed in Massachusetts, hundreds of voters across the state were able to cast their ballots on Monday anyway.

Absentee ballots were accepted until noon time, and because you don’t have to explain why you want to submit one, many use it as an opportunity to avoid the crowds.

Turnout for Tuesday’s election is expected to be huge, with highly-contested presidential and U.S. Senate races, and three ballot questions. Secretary of State William Galvin says that turnout could hit 74% and break the record set in 2008.

Roughly 285,000 voters have requested absentee ballots this election; that is an increase of about 25,000 from 2008.

Agawam Town Clerk Richard Theroux told 22News that there are always issues on Election Day.

"We want everyone to vote across the Commonwealth, so that they're coming in for absentees because they know there are going to be lines and there will, there will be problems tomorrow as there always are, and so yes, we're very busy,” Theroux said.

Galvin said that he is focused on keeping lines moving, but noted anyone in line by polls' close at 8 P.M. can still vote.