Voters deal with long wait times as early voting kicks off Thursday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The first day of early voting began on Thursday as thousands of voters made their way to the polls throughout the Cape Fear.

One such location was Cape Fear Community College’s Health Sciences building, where people waited more than 45 minutes to cast their vote.

Sherrill Farley said the last time she voted, only 4 other people were in line with her.

Farley said she feels more secure when she votes early.

“No, I like early voting cause I don’t know if its true or not, but I feel more secure that my vote is being counted cause I had more time before election day when it gets crazy,” Farley said.

And the long lines weren’t just outside the building as cars lined up to participate in curbside voting.

One poll watcher told WWAY that it was the most cars he’s ever seen for curbside voting.

Bobby Lloyd also prefers early voting, to ensure he doesn’t miss out due to last-minute life events.

“Its just easier, typically the line is shorter and obviously things happen, emergencies happen so you know, if you wait until election day, something might come up and maybe you don’t get to vote,” Lloyd said. “So its just kind of, relieves a little bit of stress.”

But not everyone likes the idea of early voting.

While Sissy Weisbrook did cast her vote on Thursday, she believes it could lead to potential problems.

“Its convenient but I still think we should just only have one day of voting,” Weisbrook said. “I think voting for so long in front of voting breeds ballot harvesting and all that other stuff. I don’t think its good for a ballot.”

Polls will be open from 8 am to 7:30 pm.

Early voting ends in North Carolina on Saturday, November 2nd at 3 pm.