Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Barbara Clifford of Leavittsburg casts her vote on the first day of early voting Tuesday at the Trumbull County Board of Elections.

People who came out for the first day of early voting for the primary election said they did so largely because of the importance of voting and to get it done as soon as possible.

There was very little waiting for those casting ballots in Mahoning and Trumbull counties Tuesday, the first day of early voting.

Arlene Nespeca of Boardman said she always votes on the first day.

“It’s because it matters, and I like to do it when it first happens,” she said. “Everyone has the right to vote, and they should vote. It doesn’t matter who you vote for — just vote.”

David Dunlavey of Austintown said he works at a polling location on Election Day, so he typically votes on the first day of early voting.

“I’m most concerned with governor and the different tax levies,” Dunlavey said. “I understand the levies, but people have to realize that we have to be able to afford to pay them. It’s getting ridiculous. They keep asking for more, but there’s got to be a cap some place. I’m retired and on a fixed income.”

Ed Aey of Boardman said he likes to vote on the first day because there aren’t any lines, and to “get it done as quickly as I can and then I can help candidates. It only takes a couple of minutes.”

Aey added: “I encourage people to come out early and get it out of the way. Sometimes on the day of voting something happens and you don’t get to vote. By voting early, you make sure it gets done.”

Karen McBurney of North Lima said she heard about early voting starting Tuesday, and since she was heading to downtown Youngstown, she decided to vote.

“I didn’t want to wait in line,” she said. “I normally vote early. My husband likes to vote on the day of the election. But I like voting early. There’s no lines, you get in and out. Voting is important. I want to do my duty.”

Suzanne Rintala of Austintown said she normally votes early and came out Tuesday.

“I want to get it done as soon as possible so I don’t have to worry about it,” she said.

Stephanie Penrose, director of the Trumbull County Board of Elections, said the first day of early voting went well.

“It’s good,” she said. “The first day is typically the busiest until the final days. It’s been nice and steady; nothing crazy and no lines.”

Early in-person voting continues today through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It is also 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13 to 17, as well as April 20 to 24.

Early in-person voting is 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 27, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 28 and 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 29 to May 1.

It is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2, the Saturday before the primary, and 1 to 5 p.m. May 3, the Sunday before the primary.

The Trumbull County office is at 2947 Youngstown Road SE, Warren.

The Mahoning County office is at Oakhill Renaissance Place, 345 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown.

Polling locations will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 5.