A just released study by the Bliss Institute for Applied Politics at the University of Akron that early voting is popular with Ohioans. The study conducted beginning in 2010 shows early voting rapidly increasing in the buckeye state, thanks to the process being made easier.

Bliss Institute Director Dr. John Green tells AkronNewsNow one major reason voters give for casting gtheir ballot early is convenience. "Many of the people who cast an early ballot would probably cast one on election day anyway. but its much more convenient for people to do that when it works for them rather than to have long lines on election day."

Green says the study also revealed that the most involved and enthusiastic voters are more likely to vote early. 

"A lot of people who are really excited about the election and know who they want to vote for cast their ballot early, just to get it over with and make their choice." says Green.

Dr. Green says  the study also forecasts a big increase in early voting for this year's presidential election.

Ohio Early Voting Surging by Larry States

He says it is also forcing changes in the way candidates campaign. " If people are casting  ballots 30 days ahead or whatever, that means the campaigns have to be active early as well."

Dr. Green says the early voting also forces candidates and campaigns to more closely target where they want to campaign, especially among undecided voters.

Read entire study results here : http://www.uakron.edu/bliss/research/archives/2010/EarlyVotingReport.pdf