Voters were streaming in the Hamilton County Board of Elections Wednesday morning to cast ballots on this first day of early voting in Ohio.
Democratic Party Observer Peter Cassady said people were serious and determined to cast their vote. "The place was packed starting at 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. and at 8:35 there began a steady trickle of voters."
The Ohio Secretary of State's office says people can vote in person or absentee by mail without having to give a reason. There's still time to request an absentee ballot. Boards must receive the applications by noon on November 5.
Monica Lira says she has gone all over Hamilton County encouraging early voting. "It makes sense. You know, suppose Ohio's weird weather whacks out and we get an ice storm on voting day. Anything can happen with climate change."
People voting had decidedly different views.
Voter Michael Connaughton says he's been knocking on doors for days trying to energize the Republican base. "Trump was not my first choice. I like Dr. Carson and I voted for Ted Cruz. But I am doing everything I can as a Trump volunteer to try to get people to understand what's really at stake here in this election."
Jeff Harwood and his husband moved to Cincinnati from Tennessee this summer. He also says there is a lot at stake in this election. "Even in our community, LGBTQ community, there are rights that very easily could be pushed back." Harwood voted for Hillary Clinton.
Others were voting for Gary Johnson, saying they had to make a statement.
Dorothy Johnson got a ride to the Hamilton County Board of Elections. She said, "They asked us to come early if we could. I could and I did."
Early voting times vary in Hamilton County. Here's a link to the hours.
