First day of early voting draws crowd
TEXARKANA, Texas — Scores of locals were in line to vote as soon as they could Tuesday morning, citing a variety of reasons for their urgency.
By the time Texarkana’s two available polling locations opened at 8 a.m. on Texas’ first day of early voting, lines had already reached dozens of people in length, most wearing face coverings because of coronavirus risk.
At the Southwest Center on West Seventh Street, voters waited on the sidewalk in cool, clear weather, while at Walnut Church of Christ on Moores Lane, others waited indoors in a line that snaked through the church’s main entrance lobby. Voters leaving the Moores Lane location said the whole process had taken about a half-hour.
Asked why they wanted to cast their ballots first thing in the morning on the first available day, many spoke about the importance of voting as a civic duty. Others said they had made their decisions and were ready to make their voices heard. Some spoke about their enthusiasm for candidates or concern about specific issues.
“I am ready. My mind is made up, and I’m ready to get it over with. It’s exciting! You only get to do this every four years. I’m also off today, so that helps,” Jenny Crow said.
Greg Nixon said he was motivated by the pandemic.
“We want to see some changes. We want to see somebody who’s responsible for getting rid of this coronavirus. As you can see, most of the folks here are wearing masks, and one of these days we hope that we can get this cleared up,” Nixon said.
Cindy Gore spoke about the election’s importance.
“I was an educator for three decades, and I always taught my students that choices have consequences. It’s extremely important, in my view. It’s been a hard four years, in my opinion,” Gore said.
Others expressed more practical concerns.
“I served in the military for 27 years, and anytime something important comes up, at the earliest opportunity you should get it done. I feel the same way about voting,” Demetrial Houston said.
“I came here early because I’m old, and I want to make sure that my vote counts. And who knows when God may call me home? So I want to make sure that I vote before that happens,” said Bill Davenport.
Some voters said they were weary of campaigning and press coverage and ready to put the election behind them.
“I’m just tired of all the rhetoric. I’ve already made my decision, so I’d like to go ahead and cast my vote,” Teara Lindholm said.
“I voted four years ago happily, and I’m voting again. It’s a privilege. I’m sick of the media. I’m tired of it, and I want to vote. And I can vote early, and I said, ‘I’m doing it,’” Alison Butler said.
Early voting continues through Oct. 30 in Texas and begins Oct. 19 in Arkansas. Election Day is Nov. 3.