NOBLESVILLE, Indiana—The election is almost two weeks away. Hoosiers can now vote early across the state, and many are doing so.
Robin Peritt, an early voter in Hamilton County, said, “It was amazing.” “That’s it. The lines moved quickly. Get out and vote early!”
On Tuesday, more than 20,000 people had already voted in Hamilton County. For many of them, it was their first time voting.
“Everyone here really helped. They asked if I was a first-time voter and made sure I knew what to do to make my voice heard,” said Cecilia Erickson, who was voting for the first time.
According to Kathy Kreag Williams, the county clerk, it has been very helpful since early voting began in Hamilton County in 2016.
So early voting is so important, she said. “If we only waited until Election Day, we wouldn’t have enough tools and supplies to make sure that everyone votes on Election Day.” We’re always proud of the fact that a lot of new people have come to vote for the first time.
All over central Indiana, the number of people who are voting early is slowly going up. At least 14,000 people had already voted early in Marion County by Tuesday. That number was 10,000 in Johnson County, 3,800 in Madison County, and just over 3,300 in Boone County.
Peritt said, “I think it’s important to use that right because we are putting someone in office, and I want to make sure my voice is heard.”
As Election Day gets closer, counties will add more satellite polling places and make the hours of voting longer. A lot of places will be open on Saturdays too. Also, this Thursday is the last day for people who want to vote by mail with an absentee ticket.
Williams said, “We work hard to get ready for these elections, and we want people to show up and vote.” “We want to make it as easy as possible by letting people vote early here at the fairgrounds for 30 days and at the satellite sites we have set up as well.”
Williams said that people who think their vote doesn’t matter are very wrong.
“Your vote does matter,” she said. “You’ll say, ‘Not at the national level,’ but a lot of the time it does at the local level.'” “A few votes make a big difference.”
Click here to learn more about voting in this year’s election and to find out when and where you can vote.
