Democrats have cast nearly three-fourths of the ballots so far during early voting in West Virginia.

Democrats account for more than 8,500 of the nearly 11,800 early ballots cast by Tuesday in 51 of the state's 55 counties. They make up 56 percent of all registered voters.

About 6.2 percent of all early ballots cast have been from unaffiliated or independent voters.

This election marks the first time unaffiliated voters can weigh in on the Democratic primary. They can also vote in the GOP's primary.

Some counties report that a handful of nonpartisan voters wanted to vote in a partisan primary, but cast the wrong ballot. Election officials are reminding unaffiliated voters that they must request a party ballot.

Early voting continues through May 10.