Michelle Obama will encourage supporters of Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn to cast their ballots early this year.

The first lady is scheduled to hold a Tuesday rally for Quinn at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion.

Quinn is in a tight contest with Republican businessman Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur).

The Democrat-controlled Legislature passed a law late in the spring session to extend early and grace-period voting for the 2014 election only.

Republicans accuse them of maneuvering to get more Democratic voters to the polls. Democrats say they're encouraging early voting following abysmal primary turnout.

The deadline for regular voter registration is Tuesday. After that, people who haven't yet registered may do so, but must cast their ballot at that time.

Early voting begins Oct. 20 for the Nov. 4 election.