(Salem, OR)  --  At least 40-percent of Oregon's registered voters' ballots are now in the hands of election officials.  That's about eight-percent higher than had been expected to turn in their early voting ballots by mail or in person.  The Oregonian reports that Democrats held a slight edge yesterday in turnout rates.  The large participation echoes a nationwide surge in at least 28 states.  Bloomberg News reports the high turnout indicates new voters are being drawn into the midterm elections.