Early voting in Washoe County kicked off with a remarkable turnout, described as crazy by George Guthrie, the spokesperson for the Washoe County Registrar of Voters. The first day saw a significant influx of voters, both in person and dropping off mail-in ballots, leading to lines at various voting centers.
At South Valleys Library, over 100 people were waiting in line by 10:30 a.m., with many expressing concerns about election security. Christie and David Phillips, among the first in line, voiced their distrust of the mail-in voting system, advocating for a return to traditional voting methods.
Despite the slow-moving lines due to the new digital voting system—Voter Registration and Election Management System VREMS—voters remained patient, acknowledging the need for the staff to adapt to the new procedures. Ron Moschetti commented on the situation as a “trial run,” optimistic that improvements would be made.
Other voters, like Jennifer and James Massey, opted for early voting to avoid potential issues with mail-in ballots, especially given their upcoming business commitments. While expressing frustration with the current political climate, they emphasized the importance of voting.
Couples like Mike and Lindy Leonard, along with Nancy and Gary Rinehert, found the ballot drop-off process to be smooth and efficient. They echoed concerns about election fairness, referencing the contentious nature of the last presidential election.
Overall, the turnout reflects a community eager to participate in the electoral process, with early voting continuing through November 1 and Election Day set for November 5. Voter engagement remains a priority, with many urging fellow residents to make their voices heard.