Early voting started in North Carolina today, with 19 polling places opened across Mecklenburg County. The county board of elections estimated more than 10,000 people voted.
Some people who voted at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Uptown and the Hal Marshall Center had different reasons for voting early.
“For me, I’m tired of being told that I’m too young to be in politics,” said Kendrick Cunningham, 21.
Elvia Davis, 33, expressed an optimistic outlook.
“Especially if you want change in your local communities you need to get out and vote, which is why I did,” Davis said.
Others were more practical.
“To exercise my rights, pretty much, and avoid the long lines later,” said Denice Matthews, 48.
One voter expressed hopefulness about change.
“I want to see a change in the direction that I think is best for me and for the people that I like and love,” Alexander Peña, 29, said.
Early voting ends on Nov. 3. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6.