DES MOINES, Iowa — The early voting window officially opened up on Wednesday for the 2024 general election and those showing up at the Polk County Auditor’s Office voted in record numbers.
1,375 people voted in the office on the first day of early in-person voting in the state, one of the busiest days ever.
Voters lined up from 8 a.m. all the way to 5 p.m., with a line on the sidewalk for the vast majority of the day, eager to cast their vote. For some it was pressing issues that got them out early to vote, for others it was a candidate.
“Immigration, abortion, etc.,” said Mark Doherty, after he voted. “This election is just so important this time I couldn’t wait to have this done and I hope everybody will feel the same.”
“Well abortion rights is important, democracy would be my number one I do not want to live under a dictator,” said Glenda Dawson, an early voter from Polk County.
Some voters work as a poll worker on election day or are out of the state, so showing up early guarantees that their voice will be heard.
“Well I have a late flight the day before so I just want to make sure,” said Amanda McCallem, a Polk County early voter. “I don’t want to miss it.”
“Probably 30 years, I mean I don’t even remember a time I’ve gone on Election Day,” said John Olsen, trying to remember the last time he hadn’t voted early. “Because I am a poll worker or doing something else with the election.”
The early voting window lasts until the day before the election — Tuesday, November 5. You are able to go vote at your local county auditor’s office or at satellite locations throughout your county.
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