CLEVELAND — Today was the last day of early voting in Ohio before Tuesday’s general election.

At the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, the line stretched around the block, with people like Kelly Hobbs, who voted for the first time, waiting for hours.

“It really gives an opportunity for more people to get out who maybe wouldn’t be able to get out on a Tuesday morning and wait in that horrible long line. And it gives an opportunity for more voters to get out and make their voices heard,” Hobbs said.

Many voters are calling this election historic for many reasons.

“I want to start crying,” said voter Cynthia D. Ross

Ross, 63, says she never imagined she would see the day when she could vote for a black woman president.

“I’m really grateful to be a part of this history in the making,” Ross said.

Early voting turnout set a new record, according to Anthony Perlatti, director of the Cuyahoga Board of Elections.

“We have already exceeded what we did in 2020, which was our highest voter turnout. I think we will easily reach 62,000, which is about 10,000 more than we had planned, which is excellent,” Perlatti said.

Voters say the long lines are not intimidating but are a good sign of voter turnout.

“I’m overwhelmed and happy that people are coming out to vote; it’s a beautiful thing. It’s what we need to do,” said voter Earl Render.

The electoral committee expects a high turnout on Tuesday at the polls, but says it is ready to welcome the crowd.

Election day is November 5 and polling stations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by your election board by 7:30 p.m.

“On November 5, people will only vote at their polling station. We have 289 polling places located throughout Cuyahoga County, but you have to go to the one you are assigned to,” Perlatti said.