Long lines form for early in-person voting at Douglas County Election Commission

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Long lines formed outside the Douglas County Election Commission office today for early in-person voting. Cars also drove up to drop off mail-in ballots in the drop box.

“We did expect this today. In past years we have seen a huge amount of voters who want to vote early in person. Yesterday we set a record of over 1,340 voters who came here to vote, and I think we’re definitely going to pass that today,” said Danielle Jensen of the Douglas County Election Commission.

The possibility of rain did not stop voters from lining up to cast their ballots.

Voters describe why they came

“I think people really have a strong feeling that their voice needs to be heard, and I think we feel like it’s time to make all of our voices heard, whatever that opinion is. And I think it’s important, again, whatever that opinion is, it’s important to vote,” said Lori Hefler, a voter.

“I don’t think I was that surprised to see the line as long as it is. This election has been so divisive, I think everybody’s just fed up with everything, so just trying to make their voices heard,” said Nathan Fetfsch, a voter.

Other voters in line gave their own reasons.

“Fighting for democracy and everything else,” one voter said.

“I think a lot has been happening in sports that I’d like to have a say on, also with 440 and 441,” another voter said.

Mail applications down, in-person voting up

Many voters decided to vote by mail or drop their ballots off early, but Douglas County officials say the number of voters who requested early ballots by mail dropped a bit this year.

“We had that drop in by-mail applications. There’s about a 9,500 drop in that, but in person we’re already at 8,700 more than four years ago, and I think it’s just going to keep increasing today and tomorrow,” Jensen said.

Officials do not expect in-person voting to drop off on Election Day.

“I think Election Day we’ll see about the same amount of people, even if not more. There is a higher interest this year in the election, so I think it will be the same, if maybe just a little bit more. I just have seen a switch from early voting by mail to in person,” Jensen said.