UNION COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) – Early voting in Union County, kicked off Thursday, with long lines forming as early as 8 a.m.

Voters arrived steadily throughout the day at the nine polling locations scattered across the county, eager to cast their ballots.

One such voter was Janey Doerner, a 74-year-old Union County resident with a passion for voting that stretches back to her teenage years.

“It’s a long line, but it’s steady,” Doerner said, standing in the chilly October air. Doerner said she has seen bigger lines, but rarely during early voting. She has made voting a lifelong habit, casting her first ballot in 1968 at just 18 years old.

Her earliest political memory dates back to the 1960 election between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

“I was just a kid watching Nixon and Kennedy on TV, fussing over what they were saying,” she reminisced with a smile.

Doerner’s dedication to the democratic process extends beyond just voting—she has also served as a poll worker for the past 30 years. Even though her family has suggested she retire, she says she won’t stop until the next generation of voters is ready to take over.

“I’m always so happy to see young people voting,” she said. “I thank them for exercising their right.”

She also takes extra time to focus on younger children accompanying their parents.

“Little children come in a lot with their parents, and I always say, ‘Oh, I’m so glad you’re here to vote today!’” She said. “I always give them a sticker…because I want them to vote when they grow up when they get older.”

It all stems from her belief that voting matters and her hope that everyone will take part in casting a ballot.

“I love my country, and I want to do what I think is best for it,” she said. “People always say, ‘Well, you know, I’m only one person. It doesn’t matter if I vote or not.’…It absolutely matters.”

As early voting continues in Union County, residents still have time to register in person at early voting locations until Nov. 2.

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