GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s that time of year again when people across the country head to the polls. More than 12,000 Kent County voters cast ballots Saturday for the first day of early voting for the upcoming general election.

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Many voters at the polls in Grand Rapids said they were excited to make their voices heard.

Tracy Martin told News 8 she has voted in every election and being able to vote early and in person made it easier. She voted at Ottawa Hills High School on Saturday afternoon, alongside some members of her family.

“It was great, but I still feel good every time I vote. So, it feels good to know that I’m doing my part,” she said.

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A handful of voters were eager to receive their “I Voted” sticker, so they could wear it like a badge of honor. While showing his sticker, Ben Carter, who just turned 18 and was voting for the first time, said, “This is what I was working for, yeah. »

A sentiment Judi Rabbai, another early voter, shared with News 8.

“Well, I still want my sticker, I want to make a good impression,” Rabbai said. “I must encourage everyone to vote, whatever their choice. This is what they should do because we are Americans and we must fight for our democracy.

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By law, in-person early voting in Michigan must occur for at least nine consecutive days before an election, ending on the Sunday before Election Day. Grand Rapids voters have four options for voting before Election Day:

The four sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

A variety of issues drove voters to the polls on Saturday, including the economy, immigration and women’s rights.

“We are voting for our future, for our children, and we need someone with common sense who can take this country to the next level,” Anthony Martin said.

One message shared by all the voters News 8 spoke to was the importance of voting, no matter who it was for.

Inside woodtv.com: Election coverage

“I think it’s really important for people, whatever side they’re on. I think everyone is really passionate about this, and I am very passionate about it, so I wanted to be here early,” Dana Kingrey said.

“It’s your civic duty. It is your duty to vote. I mean, I understand that we’re not all going to vote for the same person, but if you want to have a say in what happens in this country, you can’t complain about what happens if you did not use your voice to vote. . So come vote,” Tracy Martin said. “Do it today. Do it tomorrow. Do it on November 5, but it’s important to have your say.

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