CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- More than 100,000 West Virginia residents cast their ballot during the early voting period, setting a record for early voting in a primary election.

“We know that West Virginians are excited about voting this year, with every race on the ballot except for U.S. Senate,” Secretary of State Natalie Tennant said. “Early voting presents a great opportunity to fit voting into busy schedules and I couldn’t be happier with West Virginia’s 2016 early voting numbers. In 2002, we saw just 14,000 participate in early voting and we saw more than 100,000 this year. Let’s continue this momentum and set a voter turnout record tomorrow.”

Secretary Tennant added that 5,252 absentee ballots have been returned voted to county clerks, for a total of 106,214. Absentee ballots can be postmarked by the United States Postal Service by May 10th.

In the 2014 primary there were 45,144 early votes cast during the early voting period; in 2012 that number was 57,553; in 2010 that number was 40,644; and in 2008 that number was 65,845.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 10. Polls will be open in West Virginia from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.