JOPLIN, MO.--- Hundreds formed a line that wrapped around Royal Heights United Methodist yesterday afternoon. It remained that way until the precinct closed at 7 p.m.
'"We waited for an hour and half," states Roxanne Nichols, Voter.
Roxanne Nichols says this was the largest crowd she's seen at her precinct in 27 years.
"I think probably because of the issues at hand. Everybody understands the importance of coming out to vote," states Nichols.
County Clerk Bonnie Earl says the long lines are deceiving, they're typical in presidential elections.
"There's just not any way to have enough people to staff the polling places to have shorter lines," states Bonnie Earl, County Clerk.
Only 58% or 45,000 out of 77,000 registered voters cast a ballot.
"I'm really disappointed in the fact that more people didn't chose to exercise their right to vote, it was a beautiful day yesterday, weather wasn't an issue," states Earl.
Earl say 61% of voters turned out for the 2008 election. She doesn't have an answer as to why it was lower this year.
"No, I don't I thought there was so much interest in several races but especially of course president," states Earl.
Nichols has some advice for those who passed up their voting privilege.
"Everybody's vote counts. That's the important thing. A lot of people forget that and think their vote doesn't matter but it really does, it really does," Nichols.
No matter how long the wait is in 2016, you'll find her at Royal Heights election day.
Absolutely, absolutely. Sure would. I did suggest they feed everyone though," states Nichols.
Earl says absentee ballots were significantly this election with only 5,000 mailed in. 7,500 were mailed in in 2008. Jasper County actually had one of the lowest voter turnout in the state.
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