SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Today is the deadline for Illinois residents to register to vote.

Early voting starts a week from today, and several county clerks are recommending that option for voters who want to avoid long lines at the polls on November 4th.

Coles County Clerk Sue Rennels, however, adds that the only downside of early voting is that voters can't change their minds if something comes up in the last days before the election.

The Illinois State Board of Elections estimates that more than seven million voters are already registered for next month's election.