The candidates in Kentucky's Sixth District Congressional race got off to an early start on Election Day.

Democrat Ben Chandler, the incumbent, voted as soon as the polls opened around 6 Tuesday morning at Huntertown Elementary in Woodford County.

A short time later, Republican Andy Barr cast his vote at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington.

Both candidates say they are staying optimistic.

"I'm happy it's Election Day, and we're at the end of the road, and that now we'll get a judgment from the voters," Chandler said. "I'm excited to get on and work for the people in Washington."

"I feel great. We just completed a 16 county bus tour where we stopped in every county of the Congressional district," Barr said. "Everywhere we went, we got great crowds. We were greeted with enthusiastic supporters. We know it's a close election, but we think we have an excellent opportunity here."

Both candidates say they will continue to campaign up until the polls close tonight at 6.