Early voting in Bexar County off to busy start

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If the first day is any indication, early voting in Bexar County for the November General Election may set an all-time record.

As of 1 p.m. Monday, 20,911 voters have cast an early ballot, shattering the most-ever recorded for a half day when 14,851 residents cast an early ballot in 2018, Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen said at a news conference.

“From my standpoint, it’s a record turnout right now,” Callanen told reporters. “We are looking for a record turnout.”

Early voting runs from Monday through Nov. 1.

At the Northside Activity Center on Culebra Road, near Loop 410, some frustrated voters were leaving before casting a ballot because of the length of the line.

“We got a two-and-a-half hour wait. This is going to take away voters,” said Alex Huebenthal. “I mean, I’m leaving. I’m going to come back. Hopefully, there’s not a two-and-a-half hour line.”

Even a voter who said his bad leg had allowed him to cut to the front of the line at the polling center was exasperated.

“They only had about eight machines in there. It’s ridiculous,” he said. “With at least 500 people in there. They zigzag back and forth, you know.”

Asked about the wait times, Callanen said the elections department had “sufficient” machines “but we just have all these eager beavers — people that want to vote on that very first day.”

“Am I sorry they have to stand in line? Yes. Am I excited that there’s great crowds out there? You better believe it,” she said.

Callanen is urging early voters to pack their patience because “parking is an issue at the sites” and to have their voter ID.

Most voters will have dozens of races on their ballots, and Callanen suggests voters download their individual, sample ballot from Bexar County Elections Department website, mark it ahead of time, and take it to the voting booth for a smoother voting experience.

Callanen said voters can save some time by identifying which polling sites are least busy. The Elections Department website will be posting the amount of voters who visited polling sites after each day of early voting.

“We recommend that voters look at that, and they can maybe drive a few minutes further to go to a site that is not (very busy),” she said.

Callanen also asks that voters be respectful at polling sites, especially to senior citizens in line.

“When you see someone who is having a little trouble standing or walking, please take them to the front of the line,” she said.

Callanen also said that the last day to apply for a mail ballot is Friday. The Elections Office has received 12,230 out of 45,000 ballots the office mailed out.

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