The first day of early voting brought record numbers to the polls in Craven County. The county’s Board of Elections reports 3,580 voters cast their ballots at five one stop early voting sites. The previous record was recorded in 2012 with 2,002 people voting on the first day of early voting.
“We have had historic lines the first day,” said Meloni Wray, the Director of Craven County Board of Elections.
At the busiest polling place, the Craven County Board of Elections on Craven St., people waited up to three hours to vote. The sites at Berne Square and Havelock had about an hour wait, and the Cove City and Vanceboro sites had no wait. The high voter turnout along with precautions to protect people from the coronavirus caused some delays.
“All of our workers have to wear masks, curbsides have to do shields and gloves, the voters have to stand six feet apart when they’re in line. It does take a little bit longer because we can only allow so many in the voting enclosure at one time,” said Wray.
Early voting continues until Oct. 31. Voters may cast a ballot at any one-stop voting site in their county of residence. Same-day registration is available at all polling locations with a proof of residency.
