Elections

View photos from the first day of early voting in NC

By Julia Wall and Ethan Hyman

See photos from around N.C. as lines formed in advance of polls opening on the first day of early voting Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. This photo gallery will be updated throughout the day.

Abby Neblett, 8, left, raised her hand during an online class while her sister, Emily, 10 attends class via cellphone as they wait in line with their mom, Katherine, during early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. Neblett says she wanted to bring her daughters to witness this moment in history so they would understand how important it is to vote.
Abby Neblett, 8, left, raised her hand during an online class while her sister, Emily, 10 attends class via cellphone as they wait in line with their mom, Katherine, during early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. Neblett says she wanted to bring her daughters to witness this moment in history so they would understand how important it is to vote. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Jaimie Graff wears a face shield as she waits in line outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. to vote on the morning of the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
Jaimie Graff wears a face shield as she waits in line outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. to vote on the morning of the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Maureen Olumhense waits outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. to cast her vote on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Maureen Olumhense waits outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. to cast her vote on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Brooke Whiteford, left, wears a face shield while waiting in line to vote outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Brooke Whiteford, left, wears a face shield while waiting in line to vote outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
People wait in line to vote on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. More than 300 people who were in line when the poll opened at 8 a.m..
People wait in line to vote on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. More than 300 people who were in line when the poll opened at 8 a.m.. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Holly Hurlburt sports her vote mask as she waits in line to vote with several hundred others at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C.
Holly Hurlburt sports her vote mask as she waits in line to vote with several hundred others at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The morning sunshine illuminates Amber Smith Vance as she waits in line to vote with several hundred others at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C.
The morning sunshine illuminates Amber Smith Vance as she waits in line to vote with several hundred others at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Walter Teague waits in line to vote at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Teague was among the more than 300 people who were in line when the poll opened at 8 a.m..
Walter Teague waits in line to vote at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Teague was among the more than 300 people who were in line when the poll opened at 8 a.m..
More than 350 people were in line to vote when the poll opened at 8 a.m., the first arriving was at 4:45 a.mm on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. This was the first day of early voting in North Carolina.
More than 350 people were in line to vote when the poll opened at 8 a.m., the first arriving was at 4:45 a.mm on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. This was the first day of early voting in North Carolina. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Durham County poll worker Zoe Litaker waits for voters to process their ballots inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Durham County poll worker Zoe Litaker waits for voters to process their ballots inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Durham County poll worker John Compton sanitizes a voting both inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Durham County poll worker John Compton sanitizes a voting both inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Attorney General Josh Stein elbow bumps Robert Parrish at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C.
Attorney General Josh Stein elbow bumps Robert Parrish at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Enid Street sits close to the front of the long line of voters outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. waiting to cast their votes on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Enid Street sits close to the front of the long line of voters outside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. waiting to cast their votes on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Durham County voters wait to cast their votes at the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Durham County voters wait to cast their votes at the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Raquel Alcaraz fills in her ballot at the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Raquel Alcaraz fills in her ballot at the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Jules Morris was the first person in line to vote at Robert’s Park on Martin Street. She arrived at 4:45 a.m. By the time the poll opened at 8 a.m. more than 350 people had joined her in a line that wrapped around the community center. ‘I don’t think there any anything more important that democracy’, Morris said as he entered to vote on Thursday, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C.
Jules Morris was the first person in line to vote at Robert’s Park on Martin Street. She arrived at 4:45 a.m. By the time the poll opened at 8 a.m. more than 350 people had joined her in a line that wrapped around the community center. ‘I don’t think there any anything more important that democracy’, Morris said as he entered to vote on Thursday, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Barbara and Al Camacho pull out their lawn chairs and read the newspaper while waiting in line at Lake Lynn Community Center on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. “No matter how long it takes, I will wait all day,” says Al Camacho who was near the back of the very long line at at the Raleigh early voting site.
Barbara and Al Camacho pull out their lawn chairs and read the newspaper while waiting in line at Lake Lynn Community Center on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. “No matter how long it takes, I will wait all day,” says Al Camacho who was near the back of the very long line at at the Raleigh early voting site. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Durham County voters wait in line outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. to cast their votes on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
Durham County voters wait in line outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. to cast their votes on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Voters wait in line at the Durham County Main Library on the morning of the first day of early voting in Durham, N.C., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
Voters wait in line at the Durham County Main Library on the morning of the first day of early voting in Durham, N.C., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
A sign directing voters to a clean voting booth can be seen inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
A sign directing voters to a clean voting booth can be seen inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Durham County poll workers Zoe Litaker, left, and John Compton, right wait for voters to process their ballots inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.
Durham County poll workers Zoe Litaker, left, and John Compton, right wait for voters to process their ballots inside the Durham County Main Library in Durham, N.C. on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Durham County voters stand in line outside the Turner Law Building, waiting to cast their votes at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
Durham County voters stand in line outside the Turner Law Building, waiting to cast their votes at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Faye Mitchell, left, and Denise Hester, right, wait outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. to cast their votes on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
Faye Mitchell, left, and Denise Hester, right, wait outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. to cast their votes on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Durham County voters wait in line outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. to cast their votes on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
Durham County voters wait in line outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. to cast their votes on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
Ashley McNair holds her 10-week-old son, Carter, as she waits in line to vote at Lake Lynn Community Center on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. “This is important,” says McNair, who got in line early with her husband and nine-year-old daughter.
Ashley McNair holds her 10-week-old son, Carter, as she waits in line to vote at Lake Lynn Community Center on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. “This is important,” says McNair, who got in line early with her husband and nine-year-old daughter. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Abby Neblett, 8, center, raises her hand during an online class while her sister, Emily, 10, right, attends class via cellphone as they wait in line with their mom, Katherine, left, during early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. Neblett says she wanted to bring her daughters to witness this moment in history so they would understand how important it is to vote.
Abby Neblett, 8, center, raises her hand during an online class while her sister, Emily, 10, right, attends class via cellphone as they wait in line with their mom, Katherine, left, during early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. Neblett says she wanted to bring her daughters to witness this moment in history so they would understand how important it is to vote. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Voters stand in a long line for early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020.
Voters stand in a long line for early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
Voters stand in a long line for early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020.
Voters stand in a long line for early voting at Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, 2020. Juli Leonard jleonard@newsobserver.com
The morning sun illuminates voters in line at Roberts Park on the first day of early voting in North Carolina on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C.
The morning sun illuminates voters in line at Roberts Park on the first day of early voting in North Carolina on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Attorney General Josh Stein talks with voters waiting in line at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C.
Attorney General Josh Stein talks with voters waiting in line at the Roberts Park early voting site on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Nick Coco waits in line to vote as the sun rises over him on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. He was among the more than 300 people who were in line when the Roberts Park poll opened at 8 a.m..
Nick Coco waits in line to vote as the sun rises over him on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 in Raleigh, N.C. He was among the more than 300 people who were in line when the Roberts Park poll opened at 8 a.m.. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
People wait in line to vote on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. More than 300 people who were in line when the poll opened at 8 a.m..
People wait in line to vote on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. More than 300 people who were in line when the poll opened at 8 a.m..
Durham County voters stand in line outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
Durham County voters stand in line outside the Turner Law Building at N.C. Central University in Durham, N.C. on the first day of early voting, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Julia Wall jwall@newsobserver.com
More than 350 people were in line to vote when the poll opened at 8 a.m., the first arriving was at 4:45 a.mm on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. This was the first day of early voting in North Carolina.
More than 350 people were in line to vote when the poll opened at 8 a.m., the first arriving was at 4:45 a.mm on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Roberts Park in Raleigh, N.C. This was the first day of early voting in North Carolina. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published October 15, 2020 at 8:01 AM.

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