Early voting draws to a close in Kansas, Missouri amid record turn-out

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - It’s less than 24 hours away until the polls open on Election Day. but hundreds of thousands of people have already cast their ballots.

Your chance to vote early is now down to just a few hours, with Jackson County polls closing at 5 p.m.

Across the board, election officials told KCTV5 that voters need to come prepared to the polls. That means knowing the ballot. That way, the voter can get through the ballot faster, and the lines will go quicker.

Also, make sure your name and address are up-to-date so no changes need to be made at the election office.

Voters must have an ID in the state they’re voting. If you don’t, bring your port or any other current government-issued ID.

People have been lining buildings since 5 a.m. on this last day of early voting.

KCTV5 walked through the lines at Independence Square and KC Election Board to ask voters why they picked today to vote.

The majority said they tried to come earlier, but the lines were too long, so they kept putting it off.

“If I can wait four hours to see Blake Shelton, I can wait an hour to vote,” said voter Mia Ayala. “This is one of the most important things to do as an American citizen.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the word,” said voter Mia Ayala. “My kids will vote after work, and I think I’ve let them know it’s always important to vote. I just feel like you’re crazy if you don’t vote.”

Others, like Debra Arnold-Waxter, have already voted but wanted to share the moment with a loved one. “I have already voted, but my granddaughter had not voted yet, and this is her first time voting so I just thought the early bird gets the worm and wanted to experience this moment with her,” Arnold-Waxter said.

ALSO READ: ELECTION GUIDE: What Missouri, Kansas voters need to know before heading to the polls

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