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TOLEDO -- Controversial issues such as Issue 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot is causing a surge in early voting and absentee ballot requests in Ohio and Lucas County.

Since the early voting center in Downtown Toledo opened Oct. 4, more than 1,100 people have cast their votes.  Lucas County voters have also requested more than 11,000 absentee ballots.

Lucas County Board of Election officials say both the number of early voters and absentee requests are high for an off year election.  And they say it's because Issue 2, the measure on whether the state should keep its law on public unions, is energizing voters.