Nov. 8. By Dave Yochum. It looks like most people voted early based on the turnout at polling places around Cornelius and Davidson this morning. There were short lines at 6:30 am when the polls opened, but they dissipated by 7.

So far, however, it looks like turnout is at historically high levels, thanks to early voting.

At Bethel Presbyterian Church (208) at 7:30 am, there were only 1,927 registered voters who had not voted yet, while 2,481 had already cast their ballots thanks to early voting, which endedSaturday.

Polls will remain open until 7:30 pm in North Carolina. NC Rep. John Bradford was at Cornelius Town Hall (202) campaigning with his mother and father. Ben Thalheimer, candidate for the 26th Judicial District, was at Davidson Town Hall.

The best quote of the morning came from Cornelius resident Rick Monroe, who was campaigning for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson: “I’m doing my best to rail against the machine.”

There was no wait—and no candidates—at Jetton (242) at 7 am. Likewise, there was no wait at four polling places surveyed mid-morning

Margaret Byrne, a charming Manhattanite born in Northern Island who flew here on her own dime, was monitoring the polls and asking voters if everything went smoothly. She was chatting amiably with Ryan Carter, a paid consultant for the Bradford and Tarte campaigns.

Where to vote:

1. Cornelius Town Hall – 202
2. Bethel Presbyterian Church – 208
3. Community in Christ Lutheran Church – 240
4. Jetton Park – 242