Lines stretched around the block at several polling places this weekend as early voting opened across the county. Election officials counted 61,402 ballots over two days, almost twice the number cast during the first weekend of the last midterm. At the main library downtown, voters waited more than an hour on Saturday morning, chatting, sipping coffee and watching volunteers hand out water bottles. By Sunday afternoon, most sites had shorter waits, and some voters walked straight up to a booth.
Officials credited new weekend hours and four additional early-voting sites, including one on the community college campus. The changes were approved earlier this year after residents complained about long lines and limited options during past elections.
A record first weekend
The county opened 22 early-voting sites on Saturday at 7 a.m. Within the first hour, officials said, more than 5,000 people had already cast ballots. Turnout stayed strong throughout the day, with the busiest periods in the late morning and just after lunch.
Sunday turnout was nearly as high, which officials said reflected the new weekend schedule. In past elections, early voting was limited to weekdays and a single Saturday, which made it difficult for many residents who work during the week. This year, every early-voting site is open seven days a week.
The county’s elections office said the busiest sites over the weekend were the downtown library, a recreation center on the east side and the new community college location. Voters at the college site included many students casting ballots for the first time, as well as faculty and nearby residents.
What changed this year
The county commission approved several changes to early voting last spring, after public hearings where residents described long waits and difficulty reaching polling places. The changes included:
- Four new early-voting sites, bringing the total to 22.
- Weekend hours at every site, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- An online wait-time tracker updated every 15 minutes.
- Additional check-in stations at the busiest locations.
- More trained poll workers, including a new program for college students.
The new sites were chosen to fill gaps in parts of the county where voters previously had to drive 20 minutes or more to reach an early-voting location. Officials said the community college site was especially popular because of its central location, free parking and access to several bus routes.
People want to vote when it fits their life. When you make it easy, they show up.
Ruth Collins, County Elections Director
Collins said the county will review turnout data after the election to decide whether to keep all the changes permanently. She added that the online wait-time tracker had been viewed more than 40,000 times over the weekend, helping voters choose sites with shorter lines.
Voices from the line
Voters we spoke with outside three polling places described a mix of patience and excitement. A father of two at the east side recreation center said weekend voting meant he did not have to take time off work. “I brought the kids and made it a family outing,” he said. “They wanted to see what voting looks like.”
A first-time voter at the community college said she had planned to vote on Election Day but changed her mind when she saw the polling site on her way to the library. “It was right there, so why not?” she said. An older couple at the downtown library said they always vote early to avoid crowds on Election Day, and were surprised to find a line this year.
Poll workers on the front line
Poll workers put in long hours over the weekend. Many arrived before 6 a.m. to set up equipment and stayed until the last voter left. The county trained more than 600 poll workers this year, including about 80 students from local colleges. Officials said they are still looking for additional workers for Election Day and encouraged interested residents to sign up on the elections office website.
Keeping the process secure
Collins said the record turnout did not change the county’s security procedures. Every early-voting site uses paper ballots that are scanned and stored in sealed containers, giving the county a physical record that can be checked after the election. Voting equipment is tested in public before early voting begins, and observers from both major parties are allowed to watch the process at each site.
At the end of each day, poll workers reconcile the number of voters who checked in with the number of ballots cast. Those totals are reported to the elections office and posted online. Collins said the reconciliation numbers from the first weekend matched at every site. Residents who want to learn more can attend a public post-election audit, which the county holds after every election to confirm the results.
Officials also reminded voters that they will never be asked for personal information by phone, text or email in connection with voting. Anyone who receives a suspicious message about their registration should contact the elections office directly using the number listed on the county website.
How to vote early
Early voting runs through Sunday, November 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any of the county’s 22 sites. Voters can check wait times online before they leave home. Any registered voter in the county can vote at any early-voting site, regardless of where they live.
To make your visit go smoothly, the elections office suggests:
- Confirm your registration and find your sample ballot on the county website.
- Bring an acceptable form of identification, as listed on the elections office website.
- Check the online wait-time tracker and choose a site with a shorter line.
- Avoid the busiest times, usually late morning and lunchtime, if you can.
- Bring a printed or written list of your choices to save time in the booth.
Voters with disabilities can request curbside voting at any site, and every location offers accessible voting equipment. Interpreters and translated materials are available in several languages on request.
Mail ballots and Election Day
Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days to count. Voters who requested a mail ballot can also drop it off at any early-voting site or at one of the county’s secure ballot drop boxes, which are monitored by video and emptied daily by teams of election workers.
On Election Day, voters must vote at their assigned precinct. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and anyone in line at closing time will be allowed to vote. Officials expect results to begin posting on the county website shortly after polls close, with early-voting totals typically reported first.
Key takeaway: Early voting is open every day through November 1 at 22 sites. Check the online wait times before you go, and bring an acceptable ID.
What comes next
Officials say turnout often rises again in the final days of early voting, as procrastinators and busy residents make time to cast their ballots. Collins urged voters not to wait until the last weekend if they can avoid it. “There is plenty of time and plenty of space,” she said. “Come early in the week, check the wait times and you’ll be in and out.” The elections office will post daily turnout updates on its website through the end of early voting.
