Poll worker Muriel Sherwood, left, checks the voting machine as Martha Austin votes on the first day of Tennessee’s early voting period Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002 in Nashville, Tenn. One-third or more of Tennessees voters were expected to cast their ballots by the Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002 deadline; the figure is as high or higher in several other states. The general election is Nov. 5. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)