CHARLOTTE, NC — Early voting in North Carolina started on Thursday. Lines of voters could be spotted at certain locations around Mecklenburg County. Benjamin Johnson waited more than an hour Thursday morning at the early voting site on Beatties Ford Rd in northwest Charlotte. “This is a historic election, and I think we need to create a voice,” Johnson said. The long wait didn’t discourage Charlotte resident Diane Montiero. “It may be a lot of lines and everything, but they’re getting us in as quick as they can or whatever and don’t let that discourage you because every vote counts,” explained Montiero. The Allegra Westbrook Library and Bank of America Stadium are 2 of 33 early voting sites across Mecklenburg County. This is the third time the Bank opened for the polls. We’re excited to be able to open our doors for residents to come in and vote and be a part of this, this process. North Carolina Attorney General Democratic candidate Jeff Jackson was one of the first to cast his vote at Bank of America Stadium. “We got more 50 over 50 races than anywhere. Your vote as a North Carolinian carries more power than it would in any other state in the country,” said Jackson. Of course voting days tend to bring out politicians. Giving them the opportunity to push their agenda and push for voter turnout. That’s what happened in west Charlotte as Mayor Vi Lyles and California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke at a Harris-Walz campaign rally. “I do have a sense of competition and I think we ought to beat Georgia in first day early voting,” said Mayor Lyles.