Long lines seen at early voting sites in Guilford County

(WGHP) — It was a busy first day of early voting in Guilford County with some people reporting long lines at some polling locations.

Many people said they wanted to vote early to avoid the lines on election day on Nov. 5.

"We're glad we got it out the way," said Joe Slappy, an early voter.

Long lines at early voting sites in Guilford County weren't stopping voters from coming out to the polls.

"It actually was a bit surprising when I pulled up and I was waiting in the street ... I wasn't expecting to be as long as they were, but I was actually very glad. It made me happy to see people getting out early to ... cast their vote, have their voices heard," said Kathryn Smith, an early voter.

At the Craft Recreation Center, some voters say they waited an hour before they could vote.

Others said it took them 20 to 30 minutes.

A North Carolina A&T State University senior says this is her first time voting during a presidential election.

She said students were encouraged to vote early.

"I just really wanted to make sure that my vote got casted. That was the biggest thing. So the minute that I knew that there was going to be early voting, I was sure to tell myself, 'OK. You're going to go out there, and you're going to make sure that you get that vote casted,'" said Antoinette Lorfils, an early voter.

Several times on Thursday, the line of voters wrapped around the gym at the Craft Recreation Center.

A couple recently moved to North Carolina from Denver, Colorado. This was their first time early voting here.

In the past, they voted with an absentee ballot but said even with the long lines, it was worth the wait.

"Early bird catches the first worm," Joe said.

"This our first time seeing that many people ... coming out to vote, and that's good," said Nola Slappy, an early voter.

You are able to vote at early voting sites through Nov. 2.

The Guilford County Board of Elections has a dashboard where you can check out wait times at early voting sites. It is updated periodically on their website.