Early voters visit Ohio polls despite high winds

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — High winds haven’t deterred early voters in central Ohio from casting their ballots in the presidential swing state.

Election officials in Franklin County, which is home to Columbus, say more than 800 people voted in person before noon Monday despite the windy and wet conditions.

Forecasters warned of 30-40 mph winds that could gust to 55-60 mph in parts of central Ohio on Monday and Tuesday.

A spokesman for the Franklin County elections board says a gas-powered generator is on standby in case of a power outage. The county’s electronic voting machines also have battery backup power for 30 minutes so voters’ selections won’t be lost.

The secretary of state’s office says Ohio’s 88 county boards have contingency plans for emergencies, and it’s confident the boards are prepared.