Voters Fine with Long Waits in South Pasadena

By afu Staff Writer

SOUTH PASADENA — The polling place at the South Pasadena Public Library was bustling all day Tuesday, as voters turned out in large numbers to cast their ballots in the 2024 General Election.

A long line formed early in the day and turnout was robust well into the evening, when at least 100 stood in the queue for wait times of up to an hour.

Renata Kawasaki came to make her voice heard, along with her son, Nathan, who was voting for the very first time.

"I'm hopeful and I'm nervous," she said, "But it's exciting to vote together."

Nathan, a first-year college student, said some of his friends were not convinced their votes matter, but he sees the value of casting his ballot.

"I feel it's important to have a say in our government," he said. "To me, it matters."

Officials said dozens were in line when the precinct opened at 7 a.m. and the wait had not diminished at any point during the day.

Encouraged by the strong turnout, another voter quipped, "This is the way it's supposed to be."