MISSOURI - Thousands of people in Greene County and Christian County have already taken advantage of no-excuse early voting.

With nearly 15,000 people voting so far in Greene County, voters were waiting in line for sometimes more than an hour.

In Christian County, the demand was so high they opened another polling place.

"I feel like it's a very important election and we need to get out and vote," said Nixa voter Roger Fortner. "There's no waiting here. Well, little waiting. There was about three people in front of us."

Christian County opened up the Nixa Community Center as a second location for no-excuse early voting after seeing such high demand at the clerk's office.

"It was super easy," said Nixa voter Tammy Cochran. "I walked right in."

Fortner said he only had to wait two minutes before casting his ballot in Nixa.

"In 2020, I had to wait about an hour outside in line," Fortner said. "So I'm really glad Christian County is doing this."

In Greene County, voters are facing wait times of about an hour, if not more.

"It's just so good to see so many people here," said Springfield voter Parker Owens. "I actually tried to come yesterday, but the line was too long and the polls were going to close before I could get in yesterday. This is day two for me, so I'm just glad to get in."

The Library Center offered curbside voting for people who didn't want to stand in line.

"I couldn't have done that, there's no way I could do that," said curbside voter Sandra Langum.

The wait for curbside is about the same as casting your ballot in person.

"I thought about car voting, but it's six one and half a dozen another," said Springfield voter William Hutchins.

Despite the wait times, voters say it's a small price to pay to have their voices heard.

"I'm a big believer in the fact that if people don't vote, democracy dies," Owens said.

For Greene County, the Election Center will be open every weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The County Clerk's office will be the only location open on Saturday in Christian County from 8 a.m. to noon.

In-person absentee voting ends Monday, Nov. 4, at 5 p.m.

News Source : https://www.ozarksfirst.com/your-local-election-hq/early-voting-demand-opens-another-polling-location-over-an-hour-wait-times/