WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — A protective film is going up on the windows of Penn Place in Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne County has put it in place as an extra layer of security precautions. While inside the building, hundreds of people are casting their ballots early.
"I wanted to get in early because if anything happened. We had so many troubles, so many things happen in some of the prior elections, and I didn't want anything to happen, so I thought it's best if I get here," said voter Maureen Roughsedge of Wilkes-Barre.
It's part of the county's on-demand voting procedure. Under this procedure, voters can request, receive, vote, and submit their absentee ballots all in one visit to Penn Place.
"I was very nervous about them pulling the boxes for the mail in ballots I did that prior, and I was very concerned about that. So, I think this is very good, and they should continue to do this," Josephine Eustice of Wilkes-Barre.
With wait times averaging about an hour on Thursday, Luzerne County officials say there's a reason behind the lines.
"You can't just come in and get a mail-in ballot; we have to make sure you are who you say you are, and there is a whole process you have to go through," said Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo.
Others are choosing to forgo the lines altogether and take advantage of the ballot boxes. For some, this is their second time dropping their mail-in ballot in the slot.
"I was surprised that we ended up being in the district where the change had to be, and I was looking forward to doing it all over again," said Phil Kubiak of Hanover Township.
The Kubiaks received the misprint on their mail-in ballots, like nearly 6,700 others in the county.
"Things happen; we realized that it happened, and we needed to fix it. So, we did it again," said Linda Kubiak of Hanover Township.
With the election rush already underway, Luzerne county officials say it's important to pack your patience at the polls, no matter how you vote this season.
"I want people to be patient. You're not waiting for a table or a reservation at Olive Garden. This is voting, and there's going to be a big turnout in this election," said Crocamo.
Election day is Tuesday, November 5th.