OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – In-person early voting in Douglas County is drawing boundaries election officials have never seen before.

The Douglas County elections commissioner predicted a slightly lower voter turnout this year than in the last presidential election, but after seeing the line today, he told 6 News he wouldn’t be surprised if voters beat his predictions and exceeded 2020’s turnout.

Many knew the line was going to be long… some bringing coffee or a book.

Reginald Brown brought a chair.

“It’s going to be a long wait today, but it will be worth it as long as I can get my vote in.” » said Brown.

There are approximately 363,000 registered voters in Douglas County. It’s the only place they can go and vote early in person.

Elizabeth Carollo hoped people would sleep in and that this game day for Husker football fans would work in her favor.

“We came back several times during lunch, after work, and it was quite long. We thought Saturday morning, who would get up Saturday morning and vote. And there they are,” Carollo said.

Around 500 people are in a queue which extends into the neighboring district.

Carollo said she arrived at 8 a.m. when the office opened and it took her about an hour and a half to vote.

“Even though the queue is very long, it goes quite quickly.” » said Carollo.

Still, if people didn’t arrive when the doors opened, Election Commissioner Brian Kruse estimated there would be a three-hour wait Saturday.

Marie Ohlinger didn’t have to wait like everyone else. They came to her.

It’s because she’s a hundred years old.

“This is a bigger and more important election than we have ever had in the United States.” Ohlinger said.

Even if they hadn’t helped her, she says she would have waited in line.

If you plan to vote on Election Day, polls in Douglas County open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

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