Early voting is in full swing in NYC, with almost 600,000 New Yorkers turning up in the first five days.
For many, this also meant waiting on a long line to cast their ballots. Some have reported two to three to even four hours of waiting.
So, we decided to ask our readers, 45% of which said they had to wait in an hours-long line to vote early, why they were lining up, and why it was worth the wait?
And we got some pretty inspiring answers.
Here’s what our followers had to say (and be sure to follow us on Instagram so you can answer our next poll too!):
P.S. – Early voting ends this Sunday, Nov. 1 so make sure you make a weekend plan if you’re getting out!
1. Civil rights are everyone’s rights.
2. I waited six hours on Saturday…the only way to deal with voter suppression is to show up.
3. Being a small part of the change!
4. Democracy.
5. I went on that line being mentally prepared. I knew it would be more than an hour. Change is worth the wait.
6. I can’t vote Election Day so I want to make sure my voice was still heard.
7. Just doing my civic duty.
8. The future of our democracy and human rights.
9. Seeing “your vote has been counted” made 4 hours feel like nothing. Worth every minute.
10. Black people have died in order for me to have this vote. A 3.5 hour wait is an inconvenience.
11. Exercising the right to vote means protecting the right to vote for our future generations.
12. I want to exercise my right to vote! Cannot ask for change but not be willing to act.
13. Woke up at 6am to get in line because you have to vote for the change you want to see!
14. It was one hour exactly and that’s nothing considering what people gave up for suffrage.
15. Thinking about how my one vote is not just for me but also for my friends and family.
16. I waited three hours because I’m blessed to have the right to vote.
17. It’s the most important thing to do right now.
18. Chance to make our world better. We owe it to eachother.
19. Justice for my Black friends whose voices haven’t been heard.
20. It is the least we can do to show out commitment to living in a democracy.
21. The fact that my ancestors fought for something that comes easy for me. I don’t take that for granted.
22. Knowing I could scan my vote and see it count!
23. Hope of change.
24. Love for this country.
25. Having my voice heard.
26. The peace of mind that my vote is in.
27. I want change.
28. To prove to the city we’ll get better voter turnout with multiple and flexible voting days.
29. The positive energy amongst those waiting in life. Very chatty & helpful.
30. The feeling of accomplishment once I finish voting.
31. I got in line ready to wait however long needed. It’s my duty and it doesn’t happen often.
32. Voting is so important. Our voices are so important.
33. Waited two hours — knowing women before me fought for the right to vote!
34. The incredible feeling of voting for the first time.
35. Being able to vote early and get my voice heard.
featured image source: Shutterstock