DALLAS — The next debate between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama is on schedule for Tuesday night, but Monday is the deadline to register for the general election.

The process is as simple as filling out a form and either turning it in to your county's registrar or dropping it in the mail so it is postmarked by the end of the day.

Not everyone will be voting on Nov. 4, however, because hundreds of thousands are expected to cast their ballots during an early voting period which is gaining in popularity for a variety of reasons.

Early voters are almost guaranteed no waiting in line. Plus, there is no requirement to vote in your own precinct as you must on Election Day.

So if you live in Mesquite and work in downtown Dallas, it's possible to vote early during your lunch hour or before the long commute home.

It's all about convenience — especially for time-squeezed North Texans like Jessica Anderson of Dallas.

"I'm planning on voting early," she said, "just to get it out of the way so I don't have to worry about the lines on the day-of."

Early voting begins October 20 and continues through the end of the month.

You can also choose to vote early by mail, but only if you will be outside your home county on Election Day and during early voting.

There are, however, some exceptions. You also qualify to vote by mail if you are:

• sick or disabled
• 65 years or older
• in jail but eligible to vote

Applications for a mail-in ballot must be received by Oct. 28.

E-mail cvega@wfaa.com