Five early voting sites opened throughout Alamance County Thursday morning. Most, particularly in Graham and Burlington, reported a large turnout of voters, willing to wait in lines as much as two to two-and-half hours, in some cases, to cast their votes.
Randy Teague of Graham said the process had taken about two hours. “I think we need a change,” he said after casting his ballot.
Richard Wright of Graham said he had waited almost two-and-a-half hours. “I voted for as many Democrats as you possibly could,” he explained.
100 years old – and still voting; if she can do it, anyone can
One voter who made an extraordinary effort to vote on the first day of early voting this year was 100-year-old, retired hairdresser Pauline Thompson of Burlington. She voted curbside at the Kernodle Senior Center; she was especially proud of her vote for Kamala Harris for President.
Some, like Michael and Kimberly Wynn of Burlington, are usually Election Day voters, but they wanted to get their votes in early this year, standing outside the Graham Recreation Center early Thursday afternoon. “Hopefully we can get people in who care about the country,” said Michael, who expressed a preference for the Republican slate. “It will be worth the wait [in line],” added his wife Kimberly.
Terry Hartigan of Burlington, in line at the Kernodle Senior Center, said she, too, is usually an Election Day voter. But she described herself as “excited” to get to vote early this year. A self-described independent, Hartigan said she’s “on the Democratic ticket” this election cycle.
Others had upcoming conflicts on Election day.
Walt Brown said he would be on vacation November 5, as his reason to vote early. Shelby Corbett of Burlington said she is “slated to baby sit,” which prompted her day one vote.
Leon and Linda Stutts of Graham were enthusiastic in line at the Kernodle Senior Center to “make it count” in what they expect to be a tight race.
Others mainly wanted to “get it over with.” John Moon of Burlington (voting at Graham) and Bill Eaton of Snow Camp and Carol Dieterle of Burlington (both in line at the Kernodle Center) expressed that similar sentiment. Dieterle wasn’t shy about expressing her preference for Donald Trump.
Jerry and Frances Woodlief of Graham described themselves as “very excited to vote for a particular person,” starting with former president Trump.
Hugh and Brenda Smith of rural Burlington amplified the “get it over with” philosophy, with Hugh adding he was tired of all the television ads for the candidates, and he was less than enthusiastic about the choices on the ballot. “I wish they had different people running,” he said.
Mary Ward of Burlington (voting in Graham) wanted to “be sure my vote gets in,” especially in the races for president and governor.
Delma Fletcher, voting in Burlington, said she was “voting her heart” in a race in which “there is so much misinformation on both sides.”
Early voting continues through November 2; tomorrow’s (Friday, Oct. 18) hours are also 8:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Each of location will be open on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. They will also be activated on Saturday, October 19 and Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; on Sunday, October 27 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.; and on Saturday, November 2 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Early voting sites, in addition to the Kernodle Senior Center (1535 South Mebane Street, Burlington) and the Graham Recreation Center (311 College Street), are: Burlington’s Elmira Community Center at 810 Wicker Street, Elon’s South Gym at 329 South Antioch Avenue, or the Mebane Arts & Community Center at 633 Corregidor Street.
UPDATE:
On Friday, the Alamance County Board of Elections said that 4,345 residents voted on Thursday at the five early voting locations, part of a record 353,166 votes cast on the first day across the state, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Even more, 4,529, turned out on the second day; here’s the breakdown by early voting site:
Elmira Community Center 628 615
Elon South Gym 702 874
Graham Recreation Ctr. 1,105 1,082
Kernodle Senior Center 825 819
Mebane Arts & Comm. Ctr. 1,085 1,139
DAILY TOTAL 4,345 4,529
Same Day Registration 46 55
