New tool allows Durham voters to check wait times at polling sites
The early voting period for the 2020 general election starts Thursday across North Carolina, and although elections officials say it's hard to predict turnout, they warn people to be prepared for possible lines at voting sites.
Posted — UpdatedAlthough elections officials say it's hard to predict turnout, they warn people to be prepared for possible lines at voting sites.
"I think it’s genius," said voter Tommy Fairbairn. "If there’s a way to avoid wasting time at the polls, it’s something that we need.”
Locations will be open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first two Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Gary Sims, Wake County's elections director, said lines are usually shortest on the first days of early voting. The busiest times are lunchtime on weekdays, on Saturdays and the last three days of the early voting period.
Studying the ballot ahead of time can speed the process and help cut down on waits, Sims said. "There's so many candidates on the ballot – it's a double-sided, 17-inch ballot. It's a big ballot, lot of stuff," he said. "That'll help you speed up your processes and help you out when you choose to go vote in person."
"I voted early," said Laquashe Mcmillan, of Raleigh, recalling the election four years ago. "The lines were super-long. People were standing in line waiting hours just to vote."
Wake County has 20 such sites, while Durham County has 14 and Cumberland County has 12. Each of North Carolina's 100 counties has at least one site open during the entirety of the early voting period.
Jason Lewis said he's thinking of voting on Election Day instead.
"Honestly, I haven't thought about it, I know I've seen a lot of stuff getting people to vote early and vote online or mail-in, so if i had to guess, I don't think [the lines will] be too long," Lewis said.
Sean Ross said he mailed his absentee ballot this election to avoid crowds completely.
"Given the stakes in this election, I think there's going to be a fairly high turnout," Ross said. "It's more convenient, and I also didn't want to stand in line, obviously with the COVID situation."
Planning to vote by mail instead?
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