Oklahomans report long lines for first day of early voting

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Residents in Oklahoma say they're waiting hours in long lines Wednesday for the first day of early voting.

A line of cars nearly a mile long could be seen outside the Oklahoma County Election Board building.

Oklahoma voters showed up in full force wanting their voices to be heard early.

"I think there's a lot on the line for our country and I think we're in kind of perilous time and I just believe that it's time for us to stand up and have our voice heard," said Ann Poplin, voter in Oklahoma County.

Poplin says it took her around two hours to get through the line and vote.

Voters in Edmond also lined up around the Mitch Park YMCA looking to cast their votes at Oklahoma County's second early voting location.

In Cleveland County the lines were just as long, if not longer.

One voter told News 4 it took nearly three hours to vote at the Sooner Mall.

Many say it was their first time taking part in early voting.

"I don't think I want to test the waters on the day of, I think I'm going to go ahead and get out here and get it done," said a voter in Oklahoma County.

For some they say the wait was well worth it and a great reminder of participating in our democracy

"I don't care who they vote for, it's great that everybody wants to vote and stand in line and the wind for two hours to do that. That says something good about our country," said Jason Hamilton, voter in Oklahoma County.

According to the State Election Board, as of 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, more than 52,000 Oklahomans casted their ballot early.

Early voting is available until Saturday, November 2. Voters can arrive Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.