RALEIGH — The number of people casting ballots at early-voting places has now exceeded 2 million in North Carolina.

The N.C. State Board of Elections reported late Thursday afternoon that in-person early-voting had surpassed the mark. More than 2.2 million votes have been cast when traditional absentee ballots and those living or stationed overseas are added.

In 2008, more than 2.4 million people voted early in person and 2.6 million when all non-Election Day voting was counted — both records.

In-person early voting began Oct. 18 and ends Saturday afternoon. Mail-in absentee ballots must be turned in to local elections boards by Monday or postmarked by Tuesday.