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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Voters in Iowa are now heading to the polls.

Even though it is 40 days before the November election, Thursday is the first day that absentee ballots can be cast at all of the county auditor's offices throughout the Hawkeye state.

In Wapello County, there was a good number of voters heading to the polls at the Wapello County Courthouse.

The county auditor's office is reminding voters to have your voter registration card with you when you head to the polls, and also be prepared to wait if there is a line.

"In last presidential election, we had over 6,000 (absentee ballots), which was the highest absentee number that we have had since I have been here for 15 years. When you go to vote, expect long lines, I mean, it is a two sided ballot; and when you vote absentee, you know there might be a time where there is a line, so be patient and we will get you taken care of as soon as we can," said Kelly Spurgeon, Wapello County Auditor.

The Wapello County Auditor's office will be holding several satellite voting days in October, those dates are listed below.

October 19
North Hy-Vee
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

October 23
Indian Hills Community College
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

October 24
UFCW Hall
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

October 26
South Hy-Vee
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.