Met with long lines to Early Vote

Bexar County

Early voting started today, and my husband and I decided to go first thing this morning. We expected that an early start might help us avoid a long wait. At the polling location we usually use, however, the line was already long and stretched outdoors. Not knowing how long the wait would be, neither one of us wanted to wait outdoors. We decided to try another location instead.

That second stop had a long line, too. The one difference was that people were waiting indoors, which made the prospect of staying more manageable. We joined the line and waited for our turn to vote. It took patience, but we were glad to be somewhere sheltered as the line moved along. We waited about 45 minutes in line. 

What We Saw at the Polling Places

At the location where we ultimately voted, many of the people in line were clearly, seniors. They waited alongside neighbors and other community members, each making time to take part in the election. They may have mobility issues, but they were present.

I saw this one gentleman, as he walked in the door, look at the long line and said with a big smile, "I love to see people voting." My senator was there talking to people waiting in line, offering seats to voters. The city councilwoman's office was next door to the voting site, and she offered seats for anyone needing one. Me!

First day of early voting, brought out a 102 y/o voter. She made it clear to the election worker and those within earshot, not voting was not an option. Her cousin, who accompanied her to the voting site, had her mail-in ballot in hand to turn in. The election worker informed her they are not authorized to accept mail-in ballots. Also, that the mail-in ballot has to be postmarked. Stick a couple of stamps on it and put it in the mail, she said. That is some good information to have. Don't drop off mail-in ballots anywhere. They need to be postmarked.

There were also plenty of political yard signs around both voting locations, but no visible campaign volunteers in support of their candidate. Perhaps, it was too early for the folks scheduled to work the polling sites.  

A fellow voter told us that they had driven to several polling locations and found long lines everywhere. So, trying different locations did not mean finding an empty line; for us it meant choosing a setting where we felt more comfortable waiting.

Early voting was definitely a good choice. We have done our civic duty. Now we wait. And encourage everyone, if possible, vote early. 

Our morning was not a quick stop, but it was a worthwhile one. We saw a community showing up to participate in the election process, and we joined them by waiting our turn. Based on what we saw today, planning ahead and bringing some patience, along with required ID, made early voting a practical choice for us.

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