A crowd of voters turns out to vote early Saturday at the Brick library

BRICK — Cars were parked on the grass, or wherever people could confine them, as early voters formed a line that wrapped around the sidewalk of the public library in anticipation of the polls opening at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The presidential election, which has developed into a close race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump, was the main reason why voters were out and about early on a sunny Saturday morning, rather than waiting until November 5. , to cast their vote.

“I think these are crucial elections. There are many troubling issues weighing heavily on people’s minds. It will be interesting to see how it turns out,” said Chad McCammon, who lives in Point Pleasant Beach.

McCammon said he voted early because he won’t be in town Tuesday. Other voters the Asbury Park Press spoke to were concerned the crowds would be even longer on Election Day.

“I just wanted to make sure I can get in, and I’m not confident Tuesday that I can get in anytime soon. The presidential election got me out, but so did the negative vote,” said Gail Jupinka of Point Pleasant.

Voters here and across New Jersey took advantage of early voting, which began on October 26 and ended on November 3. There are 159 early voting centers across the state; Monmouth and Ocean counties each have 10 locations. According to figures from the US Department of State, as of 7 a.m. Saturday, 686,596 people have already cast their votes in New Jersey. SmartTargetwhich tracks early and absentee ballots.

According to a story reported by NorthJersey.com some early voting centers in the state were relatively free of lines. However, reports of wait times at some New Jersey centers range from more than 40 minutes to more than an hour and a half as voters turned out en masse for what is expected to be a record-breaking presidential election in terms of turnout.

The economy, foreign wars, immigration and border security, and women’s reproductive rights are just some of the major battlegrounds of this election.

“It’s an important election. Probably the most important of my life and I’m 55,” said Chris Metcalfe of Point Pleasant.

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel isn’t reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; [email protected].