Missouri voters turning out in high numbers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Early indications are that state officials' prediction of a strong turnout for the election might be accurate.

Spokeswoman Stacie Temple says the Missouri Secretary of State's Office was hearing reports of long lines shortly after polls opened at 6 a.m. The office also is receiving many phone calls from people checking their registrations or verifying their polling places.

The state had predicted 72 percent of Missouri's registered voters would cast ballots. Temple says it's looking promising that the prediction will be accurate.

In Kansas City, some polling places reported waits of about 45 minutes during the morning rush. The area is expecting a turnout of about 60 to 65 percent. Long lines also were reported in the city St. Louis, where turnout was predicted to be 80 percent.