OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Friday is the deadline to register to vote at any election office throughout Nebraska.
Early voting is becoming very popular in Douglas County, prompting some long wait times for voters. A couple residents told 6 News they had to wait almost an hour to cast their vote. However, it’s a line they were more than happy to wait in.
“I love it,” said Laura Cap. “I do not care who they are voting for I am just glad to see the enthusiasm.”
“It’s good to see everyone voting,” Gene Kathor said. “That is good.”
Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse says the county has never seen lines this long so early. He speculates that early voting has played a part in a larger turnout.
“Early voting’s become so convenient and you can study your ballot,” said Kruse. “I think we are a society on the move, and people like to do things at their convenience.”
So far, his office has handed out over 9,000 ballots in person to date. Kruse thinks we could see about 75% of voter turnout this election cycle. Lines are expected to grow as Election day nears.
“This Friday at 6pm is the voter registration deadline, so we expect to see a very long line that day,” said Kruse. “Next week will be long. We know that Monday before the election the wait will probably be about two to three hours.”
To make the process faster, election officials passed out clipboards with a basic information form to fill out before you go inside. They are also changing operation hours to help those who couldn’t make it into the election office during the work day.
The election office will be open this until 6 p.m. this Thursday and Friday, as well as next Tuesday and Wednesday. This weekend, they’ll open their doors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to add another layer of convenience for voters.
Divine Delisser says he waited about 20 minutes to register and submit his vote. He was happy with how quickly everything moved and is encouraged to see so many people voting.
“Just be an American and watch my fellow Americans entice in this task here,” said Delliser. “You have to embrace this, if you are not here today, tomorrow, come before November 5th. It’s your duty and it’s your responsibility.”
Voters who’ve already filled out a ballot can drop it off at the election office and skip the line. Kruse kindly reminds the public that the Douglas County Election Office is not a polling place on Election Day, Nov. 5.
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