Early voting kicks off in battleground Ohio

COLUMBUS  (AP) — Voters in swing state Ohio are getting a chance to cast an early ballot for president, U.S. Senate and other races.

Early voting for the Nov. 6 election started Tuesday, with Ohioans able to vote by mail or in person without having to give a reason.

President Barack Obama’s brother-in-law, Oregon State basketball coach Craig Robinson, stopped by the elections board in Cleveland and greeted people waiting to vote.

According to The Plain Dealer, Robinson said he was there to support his family and the country.

First Lady Michelle Obama planned to visit Cincinnati to kick off early voting. Republican Mitt Romney’s campaign also planned a get-out-the-vote bus tour in southwest Ohio and elsewhere.

People lined up outside a closed department store in Columbus to cast their ballots.