More U.S. voters cast early ballots for president

CINCINNATI (Reuters) - Some want to avoid long lines on election day. Some will be out of town. And some Americans are afraid confusion or controversy on Nov. 4 will prevent their vote in next month's presidential election.

For those reasons and more, an estimated 3.6 million Americans have already cast ballots in the contest between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. Up to a third of voters are expected to vote in person or by mail before election day.