Early voting is off to a fast start in many North Carolina counties. As of Sunday, 408,906 voters had cast a ballot in North Carolina, according to the State Board of Elections.Related: North Carolina Voter Guide For The 2016 Election
Late last week, a line of voters extended down the sidewalk and wrapped around the corner outside the Wake County Board of Elections. But it was still shorter than many lines were on the first day of early voting. At some sites, people had to wait hours to cast their ballots.
“I just want to vote early to avoid the big lines, even though the line is pretty big now,” said Rocky Williamson, 48, who works in food services and usually votes early. “It’s a very good convenience, especially for people who are working or don’t want to wait until the last minute.”
In Wake County, the number of votes cast on the first day of early voting outpaced the first days of the last two presidential elections.
Rita Evans waited in a line outside the Board of Elections in downtown Raleigh. Evans said there's one big reason why she votes early.
“Time because I have to be at work at a certain time, and then when I get off I don't want to do anything so. It's best to do it early,” she said.
Early voting was recently reinstated in North Carolina, after a federal court struck down the state's voter ID law.
Polls will remain open for early voting through November 5.