Nashville Voters Brave Long Lines as Early Voting Kicks Off
Nashville, Tenn. – It’s that time of year again when citizens get the chance to make their voices heard, and for many, that means waiting in line to cast their ballots. This week, Nashville has seen a bustling turnout for early voting, with some folks putting their patience to the test.
Long Waits, Determined Voters
Over in Hermitage, the scene was quite bustling during lunchtime on Friday. Voters reported an average wait time that nearly stretched to two hours! Imagine standing in a line that weaved its way through the library, past both the Fiction and Nonfiction sections. As Leslie Bills, a dedicated Nashville voter, shared, “We waited about an hour and twenty minutes!” While that may sound daunting to some, there was a silver lining for many, including Terrence Starks, who relished the crowded atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Judy Cummings found herself in line once more, having made a second attempt after a less-than-stellar experience the day prior. “Yesterday, I waited in line for about thirty minutes and didn’t make a lot of progress,” she explained. Clearly frustrated yet determined, she added, “I was trying to get it done before Fall Break was over, during the week when there’s not many people here. Wrong!“
The Unexpected Thrill of Voting
In a typical year, seeing such long lines might come as a surprise, but with a Presidential election on the horizon, many Nashville residents felt compelled to participate. “I really wish we had more people show up at other voting times as well,” noted Bills, highlighting the healthy turnout. This enthusiasm could be seen in the numbers, as the early voting totals for Davidson County this year were impressive:
- Day 1: 13,986
- Day 2: 30,469 (this includes Day 1 numbers)
By comparison, the early voting totals from the last Presidential election in 2020 show just slightly less engagement:
- Day 1: 12,899
- Day 2: 30,418 (this includes Day 1 numbers)
Cheers for Civic Engagement
Despite the wait, the sentiment among voters was notably positive. Many people expressed a sense of pride in witnessing such high participation, driven by the belief that “Many people fought for the right to vote, you have to use your right,” as Bills succinctly put it. Terrence echoed this sentiment as he observed, “If I had to do it again, I would do it over again.” This kind of enthusiasm for democracy is heartwarming and reminiscent of the importance of civic engagement.
A Library Full of Voters
Voting in the library had its perks too! One woman in line made a light-hearted observation, saying, “As soon as I got here, I just pulled it off the shelf,” referring to the nearby books that made the wait a little more enjoyable.
Stay Calm; There’s Time!
So, what’s the takeaway for those who want to take advantage of early voting but are wary of the long lines? Fear not! Early voting in Tennessee continues until Halloween. Plus, if past behavior is any indication, lines often tend to grow shorter as we move into the second week of early voting.
In conclusion, Nashville, it looks like many are stepping up to the plate to share their opinions, regardless of how long they might have to wait. Happy voting!
