NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee voters can get a head start on casting their ballots for next month's general election starting on Wednesday and running through Oct. 30.

Among the top races are Republican Lamar Alexander's bid for a third U.S. Senate term. The former Tennessee governor faces Democrat Gordon Ball, a Knoxville attorney.

Voters will also decide on four proposed amendments to the state constitution concerning abortion regulation, merit selection of top judges, banning an income tax and charitable gaming for veterans' groups.

In addition, Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais is hoping to win a third term in the 4th District despite past personal problems that include once urging a mistress to get an abortion.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam faces little serious opposition from Democratic Charlie Brown, an eastern Tennessee retiree.