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Day one of early voting attracts big crowds in Palm Beach County

Some voters wait an hour to cast ballot
Posted at 7:55 PM, Oct 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-24 20:21:08-04

The first day of early voting brought big crowds to Palm Beach County polling locations.

At the West Boca Raton library, the line wrapped around the building. Some voters told NewsChannel 5 it took more than one hour to get inside..

It was the same scene at the library in downtown Boca Raton and in West Palm Beach.

The lines didn’t deter many voters.

“People want their voice heard, they want to be out here. They want to make sure they get their voice in,” explained Margi Helschien, a “supervoter” who has worked in politics for several years.

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Voters said the long lines is a testament to how many people are engaged in the nation’s future. And they’re willing to wait it out to be a part of the political process.

“I didn’t really care [about the line]. It’s time to vote and I figured first day of early voting there would be a line, but I was a little surprised by how long it was,”  said Josh Liebowitz of Boca Raton.

So who are all the voters choosing: Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump?

“To me it’s a no-brainer,” said Trump supporter Tyler Miroe. “And he won’t raise taxes.”

Several voters waiting in line and exiting the polls agreed with Miroe, that Trump is the candidate to bring a fresh approach to the White House.

“Somebody who is going to change it and he is going to like he said drain Washington,” Dee Platt added.

Portuguese immigrant Edward Mello was proud to show his support for Trump after leaving the West Boca library with an “I Voted” sticker.

“We need change in America. We need to get rid of the promises and doing nothing,” Mello said.

Across southern Palm Beach County, an equal number of Clinton supporters spoke up for her candidacy.

“She’s got more experience. More experience and more courage. I don’t trust the other guy,” said Haitian immigrant Pierre Ligonde.

Les Bauman said he agrees with Clinton’s stance on approaching climate change and other environmental issues.

“With Donald, I have no idea where he lies. I just watch him and I can’t vote for that guy,” he said.

90-year-old Jerome Goldenberg first voted in 1944. He said this year, he’ll vote for Clinton in what he calls a race like he’s never seen before.

“This is the most exciting election period I’ve encountered in my entire life,” he said.

The Palm Beach County supervisor of elections will release the number of people who voted early today once the polls close at 7 p.m. The office said the county has more registered voters than ever before.

Early voting lasts until November 6. Election Day is November 8. Experts said the best time to vote to avoid an hour-long wait is mid-morning and mid-afternoon.