OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Local election officials say early turnout is unlike anything they’ve seen.

Long lines form around the Douglas County Election Commission with people wanting to vote.

“This is the last day to register to vote in this election, so you must be here and in line by 6 p.m. As long as you are in line, we will serve all customers, no matter how long it takes.” “We are here tonight, but this is the last opportunity to register to vote in this election,” said Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse.

Many people are lining up to beat the clock. A queue started to form here before the doors opened.

“The line started forming around 7:30 this morning and then it exploded around 8, 8:15,” Kruse said.

Kruse told 6 News more than 80,000 early ballots have been returned so far.

“We are against early voting by mail starting in 2020, but you have to remember this is Covid-19,” Kruse said.

Kruse said he didn’t expect so many people to line up to vote before election day.

“In-person voting is definitely more than we’ve ever seen before, much more than we’ve ever seen,” Kruse said. “But I still think we’ll be about 50% early voting and 50% voting at the polling place.”

Election commission staff have long days, and as election day approaches, these days will get longer.

“In major presidential elections, we do this to provide convenience to voters, especially voters who can’t get off work during normal business hours, and we also do it to alleviate, you know, disperse the crowds so people don’t have to wait as long,” Kruse said.

The Douglas County Election Commission office will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 for those who wish to vote early in person.

Next week, October 29th and 30th, the office will be open from 8.30am to 6pm, and voters will be given extra hours on these days.

The United States Post Office suggests that the last day to send ballots to a drop box is October 29.

For more information you can visit: Douglas County Election Commission websiteor call 402-444-8683.

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