Voters get a headstart in Granby

GRANBY, Mass. (WWLP) - One Hampshire County town got an early start to voting Tuesday morning. Most of the polling locations across the country opened at 7 AM, but voters in Granby began casting their ballots at 6 AM.

This isn't the first time the town has done this. It's actually the third consecutive time, during a presidential election. The reasoning behind opening the polls earlier, is to make voting more convenient for those trying to fit it into their busy schedules--as well as cut down on the long lines.

"In the past it worked out very well where there wasn't too much of a line by 8 o'clock., because a lot of people came out earlier", said Town Clerk Kathy Kelly-Regan.

In the first half hour, about 200 voters in Granby cast their ballots--out of the 4,300 registered in the town.

"It was terriffic. You just know there's going to be a long lines Tuesday....and I'm up five days a week at [6 AM] anyways, so it really was not an issue for me. It was a great convenience and I'm very happy that the town decided to do it", one voters told 22News.

Many U. S. towns and cities have the option of opening the polls early. However, their Select Board or City Council must agree on it.

But regardless of what time you cast your ballot Tuesday, 18 year-old Ryan Miller of Granby says the important thing is, that you do it. He hopes his message will reach home to those in his generation, who have just been given the opportunity to exercise their right.

"It's really important for 18 year-old and other young people...to actually sign-up and take part in the future of this country and say what they want to happen, and not let our parents decide", said Miller.

There is expected to be quite a big voter turnout this Election Day. Massachusetts Secretary of State, William Galvin, is predicting that around 70% of voters will come out Tuesday. That's about what the turnout was in the 2008 election.

The polls will be closing everywhere at 8 PM, Tuesday night. However, anyone who's in line at that time will still be allowed to vote.

To find your polling place and see a sample ballot, click here .

Remember, five minutes of your time could help decide the direction this country takes over the next four years.