Whether you like to vote early to avoid the crowds or simply want more control over your schedule, Allen County makes it easy to cast a ballot before Election Day.

Early in-person voting began Oct. 6 for the Nov. 3 general election and continues through Monday, Nov. 2.

Local election officials say turnout is running well above recent years, according to a report from WPTA this week.

Early voting is run by the Allen County Election Board, whose website includes a map of every early voting location.

Here is how the schedule works, so you can pick the day and place that suit you.

Now through Oct. 23: Rousseau Centre only

Through Friday, Oct. 23, early voting is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Rousseau Centre, 1 E. Main St., in downtown Fort Wayne.

Saturday, Oct. 24: two locations

On Saturday, Oct. 24, early voting runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the Rousseau Centre and the Ivy Tech Coliseum Campus, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Door #50.

Saturday hours can be a real help for anyone whose weekdays are packed with work, appointments or family duties.

Oct. 26 to Oct. 31: more sites, longer hours

Beginning Monday, Oct. 26, additional satellite sites open, which gives many voters a choice closer to home.

Weekday hours from Oct. 26 through Oct. 30 are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 31, hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evening hours that stretch to 8 p.m. may suit people who commute or work late into the afternoon.

The sites are Christ's Community Church at 10616 Liberty Mills Rd., the Firehouse Reception Hall at 3322 Honway Ct. and Grace Point Church at 8611 Mayhew Rd.

Also open are the Ivy Tech Coliseum Campus at 3800 N. Anthony Blvd., the Public Safety Academy at 7602 Patriot Crossing and Resurrection Lutheran Church at 14318 Lima Rd.

The Rousseau Centre at 1 E. Main St. stays open as well.

The final day: Monday, Nov. 2

On Monday, Nov. 2, only the Rousseau Centre is open for early voting, and it closes at noon.

If you prefer to vote by mail

The Election Board's calendar lists Thursday, Oct. 22, as the deadline to request a mail-in ballot.

You can start with the state's voter portal, which also lets you confirm your registration.

Election Day basics

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls across Indiana are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Allen County uses vote centers instead of precinct-based polling places, so voters choose among vote centers rather than a single assigned location.

On election night, the board's director said the first results report is expected at 6 p.m., and it will include early, mail-in and military and overseas ballots, according to WPTA.

The Election Board's website shows what will be on your ballot, along with your registration status and other voting information.

The Election Board is also the place to take questions about early voting, mail ballots and what to expect on Election Day.

If you are helping a parent, neighbor or friend get to the polls, early voting days can offer a calmer window than Election Day.

Because hours differ by site and by week, it is smart to check the official schedule before you head out.

A little planning now can save you a long wait later.