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Steady crowds seen at Dallas County polls on Election Day
After an unprecedented three weeks of early voting with record turnout, crowds have been manageable across North Texas on Election Day.
DALLAS - After an unprecedented three weeks of early voting with record turnout, crowds have been manageable across North Texas on Election Day.
Out of hundreds of polling locations this year, only a handful have had wait times over 40 minutes.
At the latest check Tuesday, Dallas County reported an estimated voter turnout of about 90,500 on Election Day. Tarrant County had more than 81,100 voters and Collin County had about 20,000 voters. Denton County did not release an update.
That's all on top of the roughly 10 million Texans who voted early.
Elections officials said the state could pass another record of 12 million voters by the end of the day. Dallas County alone could hit 1 million voters.
Early voting used to be a way to beat the rush. But this year, the script has been flipped.
“I came for early voting a few days ago and there was a huge line,” said voter Derek Dickerson. “But then I walked right up. And within five minutes, I had my vote cast and submitted.”
From before dawn at the American Airlines Center, voters have been taking advantage of the final hours to make a difference.
When the polls opened at 7 a.m. at the AAC, a line stretched down the street and around the corner. Some people showed up as early as 5:30 a.m. to try to beat the rush.
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“The staff in here was enormously helpful and prepared. I was in and out in no time,” said Sam Nease, a Dallas County voter.
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Polls open with some long lines on election day
Voting records are projected to be broken this election day and North Texas election officials say they are ready for a crowd. At the American Airlines Center in Downtown Dallas, a line is already forming.
“I’m coming here to vote my conscience and bring America back to the world,” added James Nyfeler, a Dallas County resident who flew in from Paris.
“I think people are just so tired of everything. Maybe they want change or maybe they don’t want change,” said Jackie Hoskins, who voted Tuesday morning. “It’s really hard to argue when you don’t vote. People want to have a voice and as Americans, we have a lot of those.”
MORE: Voter's Guide: Key races to watch
Security has been tight at the AAC. Officers with dogs have been patrolling the area since 4 a.m.
Some voters on both sides were less than enthusiastic about their candidate.
“Neither party has brought forth a great candidate,” said voter Jackie Hoskins.
“I feel like it is Tweedle Dum or Tweedle Dee,” said voter Candace Ferney.
The pandemic is one thing on older voters’ minds, but they don't agree on who the best person is to handle it.
“The coronavirus; number one. It’s the reason we’re wearing masks now,” said voter Bradley Vidoc. “I think it could have been handled different.”
“It shouldn't keep everyone else from their livelihood because I'm not being cautious,” said voter Rosalyn Redel.
People who planned to vote by mail but have not sent their ballots in yet are urged to drop it off at a county elections office. They can also turn it in at a polling place and vote in person instead.
As long as you are in line by 7:00 pm, you will be allowed to vote.
RELATED: North Texas leaders fully prepared for Election Day as more record numbers expected