Over 3,000 votes cast in Boone County during early voting Saturday

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

As Election Day nears, a growing number of Missouri voters are seizing the opportunity to cast their ballots early, hoping to bypass potentially long lines on Tuesday.

Voting centers in Centralia, Columbia, and Ashland were open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, with about 3,400 people casting their ballots in Boone County, according to Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon.

This is the first presidential election in Missouri that offers no-excuse absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to cast an in-person ballot before Election Day without needing a specific reason.

Voters like James Shells and his wife, Aliceewing Shells say the early votes help with their schedules.

"We both work and a lot of times, we don't have time to come out during the week. So, this is our time to come out and make sure that our vote is casted," James Shells said.

Lennon said she was surprised by the turnout for early voting.

"I think universally across the state, county clerks have been surprised at the turnout that we've had during this this period of time before Election Day." Lennon said. "We were anticipating having a lot of people that wanted to take advantage of it and it has exceeded our expectations," 

Lennon anticipates a significant turnout on Tuesday.

In the last presidential election, 70% of Boone County residents cast their votes. This year, she expects a similar, or even slightly higher turnout potentially up to a 5% increase.

Voters in Ashland and Columbia said they waited roughly 30 to 45 minutes in line on Saturday.

"They had just opened up for 20 minutes and the line was already...it would have been out the door the other way if it hadn't folded back in on itself," Samuel Younger a Columbia voter said.

For many voters, this election feels consequential.

"I think our country is on the precipice of a big financial hardship, and we need leadership, strong leadership that's going to be able to curb the direction that it's headed in," Younger said. "Given the difference between the candidates it's fairly easy, I think to have at least an opinion or a decision one way or the other."

Others see this election as a historic moment, hoping to witness a woman in office.

"She believe in women you know, and she's also good with everybody. You know, she's trying to help us-those less fortunate than the rich and everything. So yes, that's why I voted for her," Aliceewing Shells said.

Voting locations near you can be found here.

All election polling locations in Boone County are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.