Charlotte voters explain why they’re showing up early for the November election

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — “Our democracy is at risk, I’m here to help restore democracy,” said David Pasek.

It’s less than three weeks until the Nov. 5 general election, and North Carolinians are getting out to vote early – in record numbers. And on Friday, Pasek and was joined by many others met with long lines at a University City early-polling site.

“I thought it would be longer, but I did,” said Cynthia Grayson. “What’s happening in our world today makes a big difference. And I think we just need to get it right, get voting and make a difference,”  She stood in line with her daughter to cast their ballots.

Mecklenburg County officials say, based on the number of calls they got this week, they knew the demand for early voting would be big.

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“I think people are just excited overall and they just want to just probably just get it done, get it over with so they don’t have to wait in the further it goes along, I think more and more people will come,” said Leece Johnson.

The former Kohl’s on North Tryon had the most voters in the county on Thursday with 1,618. Steele Creek Masonic Lodge had the second most with just more than 1,500.

Central Piedmont Community College’s Harper campus was the least busy with fewer than 350 voters on Thursday.

Timothy Ellerbe says regardless of line lengths or wait times, he’s encouraging people to get out and get it done.

“Why do it now? Don’t put off for today what you can do tomorrow,” he said. “Do it now because tomorrow is not promised to us. We’ve got to make a difference now because tomorrow we don’t know. So it’s best to get out here today. We’re blessed with a good weather. It’s cool and get it done,” said Ellerbe.

North Carolina voters should keep in mind that everyone must show a photo ID when coming to vote. State election officials say be aware the busiest days for early voting are the first and last days.

Early voting runs through Saturday, Nov. 2.

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