CLEVELAND – Day two in the last three days of early voting before the 2012 General Election was nothing less than expected, as more big names rallied for President Barack Obama outside of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. This time, John Legend and former NBA All-Star now Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson came out to entertain voters.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson even joined in on the rallying, rooting for both the Democratic ticket and Issue 107 for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. There were also appearances by Ohio’s Congress members and Congress members from as far as Alabama.
Early voting became a unique opportunity for candidates and Obama supporters to campaign with many throughout Cuyahoga County all gathered in one place.
Local judges and candidates running for office stood by the early voting line shaking hands with anyone who would listen. Obama supporters continued to recruit volunteers to boost their campaigning just two days away from Election Day.
But almost larger than the big names and number of politicians was the line to get into the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. Voters not only stretched down E. 30th Street, but also down Chester Avenue.
“Wow! The line is all the way down there,” said Jodi Jackson, realizing where the start of the line was. “I don’t know that I’m appropriately dressed for it, but I’m going to stand out here and vote!”
But just how long of a line was it?
Board of elections officials said at the end of the day, 2,536 people casted a ballot in just a four hour voting period. This equaled about an hour and 40 minute wait in line, something more likely to be seen at Cedar Point than on E. 30th Street and Euclid Avenue.
While the excitement of the Obama rally and local politicians talking to early voters kept most in line, it was really the convenience of voting early that brought most to the local board of elections.
“I’m going to be in Columbus all week, so this is my only chance to vote,” said Brandon Dunn.
Jim and Rose Nemeth told NewsChannel5, ” This is a great way to do it to make sure to get our votes in. It’s just easier on our lives.”
“I really don’t have time on the sixth,” said Pam Strathman. ” … I’m trying to avoid the super long lines.”
Early voting continues Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
