NASHVILLE (AP) - A record number of voters have cast ballots during early voting for the Tennessee primary election.

The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/1o3Ajgd) reports that data from the secretary of state's office showed more than 550,000 ballots were cast from July 18 through Saturday, when early voting ended. The newspaper reported that is more than any statewide total for an August election on record, according to data.

Headlining the ballot are races for U.S. Senate and House seats.

The ballot also includes primaries for state legislative seats; county races, judgeships and school board positions; and retention elections for state appellate judges.

With an especially long primary ballot, Secretary of State Tre Hargett had recommended that voters cast their ballots early.