Vanderburgh County early voting numbers surpass 2020

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - The final day of early voting brought big crowds with it. That was a consistent theme throughout the election process.

According to the Vanderburgh County Election Office, 44,644 people voted early this year, whether that was in person or through absentee voting. That’s up from 40,122 early ballots cast in 2020.

The 2024 early turnout is also substantial, because 33% of the 134,000 registered voters in Vanderburgh County have already cast their ballots.

“I think a lots at stake for America,” said voter Amanda Cartwright. “I think a lots at stake for the people, it’s important for me to have my voice heard.”

Central Library was the only early voting location open Monday. That led to three hour waits for some people in line.

Lines stretched from the polls, winding through the library parking lot, down the sidewalk and into the parking garage below.

“I honestly thought that tomorrow would be more hectic so I thought I would knock it out today,” said voter Emma Trent.

Many voters were willing to stick out the long wait, while others joined the line just long enough to consider leaving.

“I’m willing to wait as long as it takes to complete what I need to complete here and make my vote heard,” said voter Tebreccia Shemwell.

“I’ve been looking up on my phone and it seems like this is the only place today and there’s a lot more tomorrow,” said Trent, who was considering leaving the line to vote Tuesday instead.

With the polls closing at noon, anyone in line at that point, and willing to wait, was allowed to vote.

For Christian Bell, the last voter in line, that meant sticking around until well after 2:00 p.m.

“I’m gonna be here for a long time,” Bell said. “Probably not going to be able to pick up the kids from school, it’s gonna be a couple hours. I shouldn’t have waited so long.”

But whether it was 30 minutes or three hours, voters who came to the polls Monday wanted to ensure their voices were heard.

“There’s a lot of things going on that need to be changed,” said voter Camden Gilles.

“It’s one of my civic duties to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard,” Shemwell said.

“I think it’s important for everyone to get out and cast their vote,” said voter Shane McGolden.

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