Braving the bristling wind, Normanites took to Sooner Mall on Thursday morning to cast their ballot during Oklahoma’s second day of early voting.
Around 100 voters at Sooner Mall queued up around the building to cast their ballots despite an estimated hour and a half wait time. Many in attendance said voting would be worth the effort.
“I don’t think I’ve ever missed a presidential election,” Norman resident Cheryl Carlton said.
Others shared her sentiment, such as Jennifer Campbell, who said she’s voting to stand up for fellow citizens.
“I think it’s important for those of us who are on disability, on limited income, divorced, all those kind of things,” Campbell said. “I have two daughters, and I am fighting for their rights.”
One man in attendance said it was a privilege and honor to vote, and not every country has the same freedom.
“Only then can you whine,” he said.
Heather, a local artist, said she’s voting early out of responsibility.
“It is both a privilege and a responsibility that I think everyone needs to take advantage of,” Heather said.
Over 100,000 people have voted absentee in-person so far, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. Early voting takes place over four days this year—one more day than in 2020.
Despite being the third most populous in the state, Cleveland County had the largest number of early votes on Wednesday at 6,586.
Early voting in Oklahoma will continue from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. OU Daily has published more detailed information on where and how to vote early.
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure, Ana Barboza and Ismael Lele.
