Laurels to early voting and all those eager souls who stood in line to cast ballots Thursday. The 50 percent increase in Rowan’s early voters compared to the first day of early voting in 2008 indicates how popular this option has become here and around the state. Statewide, about 120,000 people showed up for the first day of early voting, and that number is expected to climb sharply over the coming days. Officials project that up to 70 percent of total voters might cast their ballots before Election Day. These voters stand in stark contrast to the much-scrutinized “undecideds,” the fraction who haven’t made up their minds about their ballot choices, especially in the presidential race. Instead of “undecideds,” early voters are the “unchangeables.” They’ve made their choices and aren’t going to second-guess themselves about it.n n nDart to the obsession with national political polls, which seem as changeable (and unreliable) as long-range weather forecasts. They’re also of suspect relevance in terms of the outcome of the presidential race. It’s the Electoral College math that counts, not winning the popular vote.n n nLaurels to the clear, crisp weather that arrived for two of Salisbury’s signature autumn events – last weekend’s OctoberTour, which drew record crowds, and this weekend’s Blues and Jazz Festival, which gets underway today at 2 p.m. in the 200 block of West Fisher Street, across from the Rowan Public Library. Organizers of these events always wonder whether the weather will cooperate, and this year it certainly has, offering an additional enticement to get people outdoors. So grab a comfortable folding chair or blanket and head on down to Fisher Street to enjoy some cool music along with the cool weather. (And remember that the Jackie Torrence Storytelling Festival will take place at 10 a.m. outside the library, before the music begins.)