HOUSTON – More than 427,000 people have voted early so far in Harris County.  This is a pace the County has never seen before.

"Next week it will be worse.  There will be more people," said Ken Gum, Harris County resident and early voter. 

Ken Gum joined the crowd at the West Gray Precinct where early voters had lined up.  Some of them had waited up to an hour to cast their ballots, in what many consider to be one of the most anticipated general elections in American history.

"I think the election is really important," said Allison Mercado.

The November 4 election has become unprecedented according to elections officials.

In 1996, only 16 percent of Harris County voters voted early.  But in 2000, 23 percent voted early, followed by 37 percent in 2004.  However this year, the number of early voters has reached almost 40 percent and there are still three days of early voting remaining. 

Democratic strategists think the numbers bode well for Barack Obama and other candidates down the ballot.  They are hoping the early voters want to turn Harris County blue.

"These early vote numbers are telling us right now, that Harris County can turn blue in 2008," said Gerry Birnberg, Harris County Democrat.

But Republican leaders think enthusiasm for John McCain is fueling the strong turnout, meaning strong support for the GOP.

"We see our base as very energized.  And even independents are energized.  And we know independents are breaking toward McCain in Harris County,” said Jared Woodfill of the Harris County Republican Party.

Voters will have to wait until next week to learn who is right.