MANCHESTER, N.H. -- State and local officials are trying to prepare for what could be record-setting numbers at the polls on Election Day.

The intense interest in the presidential race, coupled with tight congressional and Senate races, could break records set in 2004. Voter Abby Porter said she followed her dad's advice and registered early, ahead of Election Day.

"He said, 'Get it done as soon as you can,'" Porter said. "'It's really important.'"

With 26 days until the election, local elections officials are hoping to avoid a traffic jam at the polls.

"We had 94 percent turnout in the last primary, and we expect probably more than that this time," said Matthew Normand, deputy Manchester city clerk.

Manchester is making what it calls an "unprecedented registration initiative."

"Our goal is to get more people out and register them prior to Election Day so that the lines are much smoother and the transitions are easier for everyone," Normand said.

Colleges across the state are also making a push. The University of New Hampshire has registered more than 400 students this fall.

"There's certainly a lot of energy around promoting student involvement," said Anne Lawing of UNH.

More than 500,000 people voted in the presidential primary earlier this year, and 600,000 voted in the 2004 general election. Elections officials said they believe turnout could top 700,000 when people head to the polls.

The secretary of state met with town clerks on Thursday and discussed what steps towns need to take to make sure voters get in and out of the polls quickly.