Snellville early voters endure 7-hour wait

SNELLVILLE, Ga. — Determined advanced voters at Snellville's Centerville Community Center Saturday braved lines that wrapped around the building all day long.

Joesel Simpson told Channel 2’s Ashley Swann, “This is the longest line I've ever stood in to vote." Juliana Castro added, “I kind of knew this is what we were doing today, I just didn't know this was the only thing we were going to be doing today."

The average wait time was seven to eight hours. People brought books, played on their smart phones and enjoyed donated snacks and drinks. Still, the wait proved too much for some to endure.

“Three different people have passed out. The ambulance has been here three different times,” Rudy Hawkes told Swann.

Gwinnett County communications director Joe Sorenson said the issue boiled down to the advanced voting process, which requires each voter be individually checked in to receive their district’s ballot. That process takes time, and at this location there were only three computers Saturday to get the job done.

“We’re going to be looking at how we can adapt the rest of the week,” said Sorenson.

Despite the inconvenience, most voters seemed happy after casting their ballots.

“It was well worth the wait. I would do it all over again,” said Bernette Butler.

But as night fell and temperatures dropped, tempers among those still standing flared.

“I think it’s ridiculous. In 2012, who waits in a line this long with all of the resources available?” said Vanessa Beasley. “As a taxpayer in Gwinnett County, it's unacceptable."

WSBTV