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Polling locations across Hampton Roads see lines stretch to the parking lot on the last day of early voting

Portsmouth City Hall sees its biggest voter turnout in last two days of early voting window.

Even though today was the last to vote within the early voting window, to many it felt like Election Day because of how long the lines were at the polls. 

Polling locations across Hampton Roads had voter lines almost extending to the parking lot today, including at Portsmouth City Hall as the line to cast a ballot extended outside, wrapping around the outer courtyard area of the building. 

Portsmouth Registrar Alex Abell says today and Friday were the biggest turnouts that she has seen this week.

"Well, working an election, you always want to see a turnout. That's what it's about, and I'm happy that voters are here," said Abell. 

Voters are not waiting until Election Day to be counted, a realization that many were happy to see. 

"On one hand I'm kind of not surprised. I was born and raised in Portsmouth and it's always been a decent turnout," said Angelina Woodard. "This is a city of people that like to push for change."

"That's a great sign. I hope that this is a record-breaking voting year," said Valerie McKee. "It's a very important time in our nation."

Earlier today, polling officials in Portsmouth said they expected to have at least a few thousand ballots collected by the end of the day today. 

"At the end of the day yesterday we had over 10,000 people voting from Sept. 20 through Nov. 1. I expect at least 13,000 people to have voted by the end of the day today," said Abell. 

Early voters in attendance understood the importance of their ballots. 

"Many people are hurting. I'm one of them. It decides your economic status for the next four years," said Damien Arnold. "When you vote, you're not voting for just yourself, you're voting for your family also." 

"I grew up in a household where it was really important to vote. My mom is an immigrant so she wasn't always able to vote. You have to vote. If you live in this country, you kind of have an obligation," said Woodard. 

Polling officials at Portsmouth City Hall finished collecting ballots around 7 p.m. Saturday evening, just three days away from Election Day on Nov. 5. 

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