TOLEDO, Ohio — The lines were long and the traffic going in and out of the Lucas County Shared Services Building in west Toledo was non-stop on Sunday, the last day of early voting for the primary election.
Early voters say being able to cast their ballots early, allows them to choose their preferred candidates and issues on their own time.
They say it beats having to potentially wait in longer lines on the actual voting day. For people who headed to the polls on Sunday, early voting seems to be not only preferred, but less stressful.
"First time doing primary. My best friend said come on, last day to go vote," said Julie Rayford, an early voter. "So I said what the heck, I wasn't doing anything so let me go. It was pretty easy. "
This was the first time voter Al Bouffard voted early.
"We recently moved, so we thought we should do a provisional ballot here," said Bouffard.
Everyone agrees on how important voting is. Saying the act alone makes sure all voices are heard.
"This specific election, or any election, we have to exercise our civic duty," said Ronald Wells Jr, another early voter. "The commitment to making this country great and this city and county great is an everyday ordeal. Every election ordeal. "
Most voters say national issues and local issues are equally important.
Overall, many just agree it's their job as citizens to help make choices for the greater good.
"I think specifically, there is so many issues that are really important," said Bouffard. "And I think citizen participation is going to be really, really important. So we have to do our part."
While many were tight lipped about their choice in the presidential primary, people who came out on Sunday were very vocal about the importance of voting.
"Civic engagement starts where we are. Our neighbors, our family are closest to us," said Wells Jr. "These issues and people on this ballot are close here (...)This is just as important. Our local races. "
If you didn't get a chance to vote early, Election Day is Tuesday March 19.
Polls in Lucas County open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Also, voters will need to go to their designated polling location to cast votes.
You can find out more about voting on Election Day here.
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