CARY, N.C. (WTVD) — Voters lined up outside the Herbert C. Young Community Center on Saturday to cast their ballots in the November municipal election in Wake County. The Cary location, along with sites in Garner and Apex, opened for early voting.
“I think every election counts. I think every position counts these days,” said voter Beth Tolland, one of the many who turned out early. “I think it’s an important part of our civic duty. There are issues that I care very much about, and I want to make sure the right people get elected into office.”
Lines stretched around the building as Wake County voters embraced the flexibility of early voting.
“The lines are getting quite long. That’s good, especially when people have choices like going to the fair,” Tolland added. “They’re choosing to put their county and their county first.”
Fellow voter Aaryan Patel said he was surprised by the turnout. “This is ridiculous,” Patel said. “It’s actually this early in the morning? It’s crazy.”
Early voting offers several conveniences for voters. According to election officials, “The difference with early voting is you can actually register and vote at the same time. You can also update your address at an early voting site.”
Another benefit is that voters can visit any early voting location in the county, rather than being assigned to a specific polling place on Election Day.
For some, like first-time voter Evren Izzet, the excitement of casting their vote couldn’t wait. “I just turned 18 this year, so I thought it would be exciting to finally be able to participate in an election,” Izzet said.
Others, including Jeff Hinshaw, appreciated how early voting accommodates busy schedules.
“I think everybody should have an opportunity to vote,” Hinshaw said. “Even those folks that have different work shifts or different work hours or traveling for business or whatever. So I think it’s important.”
Four early voting sites will be open until November 1, the last Saturday before the election. Voters are required to present a photo ID to cast their ballot. Those who do not have a photo ID can obtain one by visiting the Wake County Board of Elections office in advance.
“Municipal elections affect your life more than most national ones do, so get out there,” Hinshaw urged.
https://abc11.com/post/voters-line-herbert-young-community-center-early-voting-wake-county/18070675/
