For the next 16 days, voters hoping to avoid lines on Election Day can cast their ballots early.
 
Five locations in Wake County opened their doors Thursday. They remained open until 7p.m. Ten more stations will open next Thursday October 26.

Once stations open many will remain open through the weekends until November 1.

On the first day, those casting ballots were excited.

“This election is really important to everyone,” said Sharon Willard as she cast her ballot at Triangle Town Center.

“Probably one of the most important elections I have ever been part of,” said Katie Seavey as she finished voting at the Pullen Park Community Center.

For many voters, there is an added urgency, because the Presidential race has become so close.

“So since it is a toss-up state, I wanted to make sure that my vote counted here in North Carolina, my family is from Chicago,” said Jaya Abraham, a student at Duke Medical School.

“People are moving in from up North and down South and out West, so it's turning into a big melting pot,” said Ray Grunch, who is originally from Hawaii.

By afternoon the station where he voted at the Pullen Park Community Center was moving along briskly.

But in the early morning hours, stations like the one at Triangle Town Center had some pretty long lines with people waiting patiently.

“I waited about an hour, and took about 15 minutes, not even to go in there and register and vote,” Whitney Adams said.

For many, voting early was a matter of convenience.

“It's so much easier than waiting till Election Day, especially with kids,” Sharon Willard said outside the Wake County Board of Elections in downtown Raleigh.

And for others, it was a chance to lock in their vote now for the election that is putting the Tar Heel state on the national stage.

“It's nice that the politicians are actually paying attention to North Carolina's wants and needs,” Ray Grunch said.

Related Story: Early Voting Starts Thursday

Related Links

1. Decision 2008 Coverage
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