The new early voting system in Nebraska has led to a record number of ballots received before Election Day. More than 10 percent of Douglas County voters have already cast their ballots, and the same is true of Pottawattamie County in Iowa.

That means more work for election commission employees, who hope to have all of the early ballots counted by the time polls close on Tuesday.

For those voters waiting until Election Day, the commission spent Monday stacking delivery trucks that will fan out to Douglas County's 354 voting precincts. The counting system was also tested, as required by law.

Election Commissioner Dave Phipps says he is expecting a higher-than-usual turnout for this year's midterm election.

"Typically, midterm elections are lower. Four years ago in this same situation, we had 42 percent voter turnout in Douglas County. This year we are expecting 51 percent voter turnout," Phipps said.

Early voting in Douglas County is officially closed, and Election Day is almost here. Before the polls open, there are few things voters should keep in mind.

Polling places in Nebraska open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Iowa polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Questions from Douglas County voters should be directed to (402) 444-8683 or www.votedouglascounty.com. Voters in Pottawattamie County can call (712) 328-5700.

Another change for Nebraskans this year will be late election results. Election officials will not start their ballot counts until after the polls have closed. That means the preliminary numbers will consist only of early ballots.

Phipps estimates that final numbers may not be available until well after midnight.

You can see daylong coverage of Decision 2006 on Channel 6 and NBC. There will be a continuous ticker running at the bottom of the screen throughout the night and into Wednesday morning as the results come in.

There will also be live, up-to-date coverage all night here on WOWT.com.