Pittsburgh-Area Polling Locations Seeing Higher Turnout Than Previous Midterm Elections
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The flow of voters was pretty steady at the North Hills Middle School polling location Tuesday morning.
This midterm election is driving voters like Mary Korey to the polls.
"This is the first time I voted for the midterms. I think mostly because I wanted to make my voice heard. Make a response to everything going on in the world," said Korey.
Voters said they've noticed a much larger turnout than in previous midterm elections.
"I think there's a lot of younger voters out there who are taking into account the state of our country and want their voices to be heard. I think it's an exciting time to get out and vote," said Jay Korey.
Poll workers at North Hills said about 50 people were waiting outside the door to vote before doors opened at 7 a.m.
As of 10 a.m., one district reported 115 ballots that were cast, which is what poll workers say is much higher than prior midterm elections at this time.
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Marge Jacobs noticed the busyness in Upper St. Clair.
"A young man working in there said usually in the midterms he brings several magazines to read because it's very slow. But, he said activity here has been so busy he's been able to read only one column," said voter Marge Jacobs.
A lot of voters were also spotted going in and out of precincts in Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Washington. For some, this is the first time they've ever voted.
"I think it's very important to use our right we fought for and am excited to be able to do that," said first time voter Darby Vojtko.
"I think it's super important especially our younger people since we have a lot of leeway with social media they have a say, especially since we are the future," said first time voter Charlie Knox.
Allegheny County reported that absentee ballots this year nearly matched the totals for the last two midterm elections combined.
Watch Lynne Hayes-Freeland's report --
Peg Holmes didn't like the idea of waiting over an hour to vote in Murrysville, but she felt like the issues on the ballot were worth it.
"It's all about fear and dividing people. I think the issues are very important," she said.
Bonnie Hunter, of Murrysville, came to her new polling place around 10 a.m., but she couldn't wait because the lines were so long. She ran an errand, then came back because she too thought it was critical to be counted.
"I came back maybe around noon time, 12:30, and I've been here ever since," she said.
The polling station is one of the largest in Westmoreland County has well over 3,000 registered voters.
"If I need to wait, I will wait all day. I took a half-day off to make sure that if I need to wait for three, four hours, I will be in," Sharif Guar, of Murrysville, said.
Over in Ingomar, voters didn't have to wait quite as long, but their motives for waiting were very specific.
"I guess just based on the current state of affairs, just wanted my voice was heard," Cassie Imm said.
"I especially wanted to vote for Wolf because he is backing a higher minimum wage," Ian Peck said.