INDIANAPOLIS -- Wednesday marked the kickoff of early voting in the Hoosier state and many Indianapolis residents made sure to cast their vote.
Several people lined up outside of the Marion County Clerk’s office before the doors even opened at 8 a.m.
The Marion County Election Board says 987 people walked into the clerk's office on day one to vote, surpassing the number of first day voters for the last two presidential elections.
The election board says they saw a 31 percent increase from the first day of early voting in 2008 and a 22 percent increase from the first day of early voting in 2012.
The reasons for voting early all differ, but the one thing they have in common is the desire to have their voices heard.
“My freedom. The freedom for me to walk around the streets as I please,” said Paris Blan, who cast her vote on Wednesday. “My second amendment right, my first amendment right. Everything.”
“I’m a teacher, so I got out there to make sure I vote for all of the pro-education candidates,” said Susan Reck, “because our children’s futures are at stake right now, and we have to make sure our public schools stay strong.”
Early voting runs through November 7, the day before the election.
You can cast your early voting ballot at the Marion County Clerk’s office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
They will also be open each weekend prior to the election from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. And they will have longer hours the weekend before the election from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The last day of early voting is Monday, November 7, from 8 a.m. until noon.
Anyone who is registered to vote can vote early.
ELECTION RESOURCES
- Find your polling location
- Confirm you are registered to vote
- See who is on your ballot
- Contact your county election office
- Indiana election photo ID requirements
