NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With an especially long primary ballot, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is recommending that voters cast their ballots early.

Hargett told WPLN-FM (http://bit.ly/1mNRooc) that early voting accounted for 47 percent of ballots in August 2010, but they are hoping to increase that to 60 percent this year.

Hargett said that is the only way to avoid long lines and late returns on Election Day, August 7. Even with heavy early voting, Hargett says some results won't be returned until after midnight.

The ballot includes primaries for governor, U.S. senate, and congressional and state legislative seats; county races, judgeships and school board positions; and retention elections for state appellate judges.

Early voting ends August 2. The hours and locations of local polling places are available from county election offices.