MIAMI (AP) - More than 2 million Floridians will have cast their ballots before the polls even open Tuesday, a major jump from the last midterm election.

The state's early voting program began in 2002. Florida Division of Elections officials said Monday people are taking advantage of the convenience of skipping the Election Day rush.

By Sunday, more than 1 million Floridians had voted in person, up 65 percent from 2006. The rest mailed in absentee ballots. Officials hope that will shorten Election Day lines.

Still, both Republican and Democratic officials are expecting a higher turnout at the polls than 2006 and are implementing major get-out-the-vote drives. In a state where 567 votes gave George Bush the 2000 election, Florida polls will be closely watched.