In-person early voting begins in New Jersey

NEW JERSEY (WPVI) -- Early voting began Saturday in New Jersey, bringing out long lines of voters ready to cast their ballots.

Hundreds of people lined up at the Camden County Elections and Archive Center in Gloucester Township.

"I am very proud," said Carmen Maldonado from Clementon. "This is the first time I've ever seen this with the long lines. I'm very, very happy about that."

"We were going to be away in Virginia so we wouldn't able to vote normally, so we decided to come early," said David Bradley from Stratford.

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"A lot of people are very passionate about it and it's their God-given right to do that," said Kevin Pennell from Blackwood.

Election officials were quickly impressed by the turnout. In the first 73 minutes early voting was open in Camden County, the turnout passed the total for early voting in the primary.

"The high turnout tells us how much people really do care about this election and how important it is to them. Every election is important to us, but we definitely see people care more and turn out more today," said Sarah Napper, the Republican Administrator for the Camden County Board of Elections.

Those choosing to vote early in Camden County have some flexibility with where they cast their ballot.

"For early voting, you have to be a resident from Camden County, you can go to any of the seven locations. With Election Day, you have to go in your town, ward and district," said Nellie McFadden, the Democratic administrator for the county.

Still, the in-person voting experience mirrors that of Election Day, with voters casting their ballot through machines. Voters we spoke with were proud to do their civic duty.

"There was a time when my ancestors could not vote, so it was very important to me," said Marie Bradley from Sicklerville.

For those who still want to vote early in Camden County, the elections and archive center and six other locations will be open every day through November 3.

To find an early voting location near you, click here.