According to the State Board of Elections, 30 to 40% of registered voters cast their ballot by 10 a.m. When the number of absentee voters are added to the mix, 50% of registered voters have voted.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — It’s Election Day, and Virginians have a huge say in the outcome. Democrat Barack Obama could be the nation’s first black president; Republican John McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin, might be the first female vice president.

For the first time in memory both parties made a battleground of Virginia, where no Democrat for president has won since 1964. Polls show a close race with Obama slightly ahead.

Polling places open at 6 a.m. They close at 7 p.m., but those in line by then can vote. The disabled can vote curbside from their cars.

About half a million Virginians have voted absentee, double the total four years ago.

And watch for dirty tricks. Officials say deceptive phone calls seek to mislead voters about their polling places.