INDIANAPOLIS -- Thursday marked a record-breaking turnout for early voting in Indiana with more than 1,000 people casting ballots 12 days before the election.

The surge was due in large part to a request by Sen. Barack Obama, who spoke to an estimated crowd of 35,000 downtown on Thursday. He asked everyone to leave the rally and go vote.

"If your car breaks down on Election Day, if something happens, you will have already cast your ballot. You will feel good about yourself," he told the crowd.

A group called the Michigan City Soul Steppers headed the candidate's words, leading a march from the American Legion Mall to the City-County Building.

"I knew there was a band on the way over here so I decided I would get into it," said Obama supporter Jack Clark. "It looked like fun and it looked like something I can do right now and get it out of the way."

Workers at the Marion County Clerk's office said they were ready for the onslaught, adding equipment and staff ahead of time.

"We have voted more than 1,000 people by noon time today, so we think we are breaking records for a single day today and believe that momentum will continue through tomorrow," Clerk Beth White said.

The line to vote snaked throughout the office but White said most people were able to vote after 15 or 20 minutes.

Supporters said they were energized by the rally and excited to cast their ballot.

"I want to vote early so I can have it in the bank, just like he asked us to," said Obama supporter Stephen Omar. "The senator from Illinois asked us to place this vote in the bank."