Long lines, wait times reported at early voting sites across Chicago NBC Chicago [Video]

Amid high interest in the presidential election, early voting locations in Chicago encountered long lines on Friday, with voters reporting hours-long waits.

Social media users reported long waits at multiple early voting sites on Chicago’s North Side, including the Merlo Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 644 W. Belmont Ave., in Lakeview East. Nearby, at the Lincoln Park Library, 1150 W. Fullerton Ave., one voter reported that election officials advised of waits possibly exceeding two hours.

Lines stretching out the door were reported elsewhere in the Chicago area. NBC Chicago’s Sky 5 helicopter captured more than a dozen people lined up outside Oak Park Village Hall.

When it comes to the city, Chicago Board of Election spokesperson said, “It’s relatively common to see these kinds of lines for Presidential General Elections in Chicago, as this is where over 70% of registered voters routinely show up.”

“Some Early Voting sites see much higher voter traffic than other Early …