VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Early voters are packing polling places across Hampton Roads, with some lining up hours before doors open for the day. Still, despite the strong crowds, early voting numbers are down in Virginia compared to the pace set in the 2020 election.
At the Kempsville Area Library on Monday morning, more than 100 people lined up before it opened to early voters. Many brought out lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for the occasion. It was a sight akin to a Black Friday shopping event.
“Yeah, I got the donuts and the protein shakes and the water in the bag down here,” Linda Guyer said.
One man tried to vote on Saturday, but was deterred by the long lines. Poll staff told 10 On Your Side that they processed 1,368 early voters on that day alone. So Vernon Davis Jr. decided to come back early Monday. He made sure was ahead of the pack.
“I got here about 5:30 this morning,” Davis Jr. said. “I felt successful. What I did not anticipate was there to only be seven of us by 8 a.m.”