The Latest: One-third of Catalans vote in first 4 hours
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The Latest on the regional elections in Catalonia (all times local):1:40 p.m.
Catalan authorities say that more than a third of eligible Catalans cast their ballots in the first four hours of voting Thursday.
Figures released by the official electoral board show a turnout of 34.7 percent at 1 p.m. (1200GMT), slightly lower than the 35.1 percent figure registered at midday in the 2015 election.
Surveys in recent weeks had predicted record turnout numbers.
The key regional election is being closely watched in and outside Catalonia to see if support for a separatist push will grow, subside or remain for the time being feeding political tension with Spain.