By ALLISON WOOD

Staff Writer

MEDINA TWP. — Residents looking to avoid Election Day lines took advantage of early voting Tuesday at the Medina County Board of Elections Office, the first day they could do so.

“We just put ‘vote’ signs out this morning, and the parking spaces have been filled ever since,” Deputy Director Sue Strasser said Tuesday afternoon.

She said the office was very busy during the lunch hour and the line of voters was steady all day.

“There is a mix of young and old,” Strasser said. “It’s kind of exciting to see everyone so excited.”

Medina County Board of Elections workers bustle about the front counter, helping voters with questions about absentee ballots, as others behind them cast their ballots Tuesday on the first official day of voting. (Andrew Dolph | Staff Photographer)

Joan Evans of Montville Township, who was waiting to vote, said she decided to vote early after calling the board of elections to verify her polling place had changed from last year.

“I didn’t realize you could vote ahead of time,” she said. “Can you imagine what Nov. 4 will be like?”

A new state law passed two years ago allows anyone to vote using an absentee ballot or vote early at their county board of elections office.

Medina resident Frank McCormish, who was waiting to vote, said he decided to do so Tuesday because he is leaving for Florida soon and will not be around on Election Day.

“I’m pretty set in my ways,” McCormish said when asked if he might later change his mind about his vote.

The Ohio Secretary of State’s Office predicted about 30 percent of the county’s 100,000 registered voters would vote early or vote using an absentee ballot this election, Strasser said.

Those who have not registered to vote have until Monday to do so. Newly registered voters can vote early, but their ballot will be placed aside until their information is verified.

To vote at the board of elections office, voters fill out a form and present identification, which can include a driver’s license, state ID or other document like a utility bill that shows name and current address.

Voters will have to use paper ballots for the next few days because the electronic voting machines are still being configured, Strasser said, which includes recording an audio ballot for the visually impaired.

About 100 people had voted by the time the office closed at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Strasser said.

Wood may be reached at 330-721-4050 or allisonwood@ohio.net.