Economy, security key issues as Japan votes for upper house

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's prime minister is counting on the upper house election Sunday to show support for his economic revival policies, while the opposition is asking voters to reject any turn toward a more assertive military role.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party controls the lower house, which chooses the head of government.

The Liberal Democrats have ruled Japan since World War II almost incessantly with their pro-business policies, and until recently enjoyed solid support from rural areas.

Sunday's was the first major election after the voting age was lowered from 20 to 18, potentially adding 2.4 million voters.