LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — The first day of early voting had a record-breaking turnout, with over 300,000 votes cast on Tuesday. According to Gabriel Sterling with the Georgia Secretary of State's Office, that's 123% higher than the old record for the first day.
This big turnout for day one of early voting was apparent in Gwinnett County at the Board of Elections office in Lawrenceville, which is also a polling location.
Poll workers said people were lined up at 6:30 a.m. ahead of the 7 a.m. opening. By 11:30 a.m., the line was wrapped around the building.
Voters didn't seem to mind the wait.
Lawrenceville voter Vanessa Pratt said she showed up on day one because of travel plans and waited 30 to 40 minutes.
“I will be out of town for this weekend," Pratt said.
Lawrenceville voter R. D. Lee said he just wanted to get it out of the way.
“Make sure that I was healthy enough to get out here, get it done. It was cool," Lee explained.
Lee is referring to Tuesday's perfect weather. It was sunny, cool, and slightly windy, which may have contributed to why voters didn't mind standing outside for nearly an hour.
“I got here at 10 -- after 10 a.m.," Lee said. "And I had to go all the way down to the other end of the building. And I was in line 50 minutes. And then inside, another 10 minutes.”
Lee and Pratt agreed that the system inside was smooth and well-organized.
Many voters just chit-chatted to pass the time.
Grayson voter Christopher Clements, 24, was one of few Gen Z voters in line.
“I am very surprised by the turnout. I didn’t think it was going to be as many people out here as early as it is, but I'm very excited." Clements said.
Clements said he had no problem taking the hike to the very back of the line. Voters were even nice enough to hold his spot for him while he talked to 11Alive. Voters around him said they took a rideshare to be there. Some even turned down shorter lines at other locations so they didn't have to leave.
“There’s no time that someone can put on the value of what they want to see in the world," Clements said.
Clements shared his guess as to why people are so energized.
“This election is probably one of the most -- what some might label or categorize as sensitive," Clements said.
Clements said this is his second presidential election. However, Lee said this wasn't his first rodeo. He believes voters are more enthused than ever.
“I think it’s going to be a larger turnout than they’re predicting like it was back when Regan ran," Lee said.
Pratt said the more Americans making their voices heard, the better.
“Thank you, Lord, because we need to get out and make sure we vote," Pratt said.
Polls in Gwinnett County are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.