To vote absentee in South Carolina you must qualify to vote that method by signing an oath that states you have a valid reason why you can't vote on Election Day. The state accepts any of 17 reasons, such as vacations, work schedules, military service, college classes out of state and health issues.

A heavy turnout is expected for this year's election, and that's why many people said they are taking advantage of absentee voting by citing health reasons.

William Smith said he always votes on Election Day but je just can't stand in line this time around.

"We're anticipating real long lines, and I've had seven back operations," he said.

"The lines will be horrendous," said Cornelia Crawford, who's also voting absentee for the first time with her husband because he's disabled.

"I wouldn't want him to have to stand in lines like that," she said.

Fifteen-thousand people have registered to vote in York County since January, and more than 1,000 have already cast absentee ballots.

York County Elections Director Wanda Hemphill said when people give a reason to vote absentee they sign an oath, and she said the government expects them to tell the truth.

"It's up to the voter, but we trust that the voter is being honest with us," she said.

Hemphill said voters are starting to demand early voting in South Carolina. State Sen. Wes Hayes said a bill on early voting has been passed twice by the state senate in Columbia, but failed in the House.

"I think the cost to open the polls has really been the problem," Hayes said.

Hayes said he thinks it's a great idea to offer early voting, and if the polls are as crowded as many expect, the issue could come to the forefront quickly.

"I think long lines could discourage people from voting this year, and we certainly don't want to see that," Hayes said.

Because absentee voting has been so popular, York County has extended voting hours at its office.