MILWAUKEE — With the election just days away, many people across the state took advantage of early in-person voting.

Saturday, Nov. 2 was last day to cast ballots early in multiple towns — three of which are located in Washington County, including Farmington, Erin and West Bend.

In the City of Milwaukee, residents had the full weekend to vote early in-person.

Long lines of voters waited outside the doors at both American Serb Hall and Capitol Drive Voting Center on Saturday. 

One voter at the latter, Darryl Weatherspoon, encouraged others to exercise their rights in this election. 

“We live in a democratic country and it’s really important that you can be heard through those that represent you and especially the small people,” said Weatherspoon. “It’s a way we can be heard in our small communities.” 

As of Nov. 1, the Wisconsin Elections Commission reported 87,355 ballots had been returned in the City of Milwaukee so far. In comparison, there are more than 291,000 active registered voters in Milwaukee this year.

That wide gap means lines could only get longer on Election Day.

“My friends kept calling me,” said Weatherspoon. “Did you vote yet? Did you vote yet? I kept saying I’ve got until Tuesday but I couldn’t take it anymore. I always wait until the day to vote, but they got on me so much so I came in today to exercise my early voting.” 

William Smith also wanted to get it done before Tuesday. He said he enjoyed the live music while waiting in line thanks to the Souls to the Polls Wisconsin organization. 

“It’s more easier,” said Smith. “You just walk through. I didn’t have to stand in line long. The whole process took about 10 minutes.”

It was a civic duty both Smith and Weatherspoon said they were proud to participate in. 

“I just want to make sure we keep moving forward in our country so things can get better and better for all of us,” said Weatherspoon.