Long lines form for early voting

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - Casting an early vote in Hamilton County on Saturday required a photo ID and a whole lot of patience.

"It has been crazy all day," said Hamilton County Election Administrator Kathy Richardson. “We had a maze of people (in line) all day.”

By closing time, more than 2,000 people had snaked their way through the courthouse annex to vote.

Cathy Muterspaugh Waited two hours and ten minutes. She wasn’t expecting the long line, but said she’s glad she had to wait.

“I like the fact that people are voting. I think everybody should,” she said.

So far this year, absentee voting in Hamilton County has reached about 28,000 – close to the record 29,000 set four years ago.

Hamilton County added voting machines and staff for this election.

“So even though they (voters) may not think so, it’s running more efficiently than four years ago,” said Richardson.

In Marion County, more than 3,500 people voted Saturday.

So far more than 22 million people have cast absentee ballots nationwide.

"I just wanted to get my vote in early so I can just carry out my day as normal on Tuesday," said Toni Williamson of Hamilton County.

"People are very serious about wanting to get out and vote this time,” said Richardson. “Even with these long lines I can count on one hand the number of people who were upset. That is amazing.”

Richardson said those who plan to vote on Tuesday should expect similarly long lines. And don’t forget the patience.