People line up at Cary polling place for early voting in Wake County

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Voters lined up outside the Herbert C. Young Community Center on Saturday to cast their ballots in the November municipal election in Wake County.

The Cary location, along with sites in Garner and Apex, is open for early voting.

"I think every election counts. I think every position counts these days," said voter Beth Tolland, one of the many who turned out early. "I think it's an important part of our civic duty...There are issues that I care very much about, and I want to make sure the right people get elected into office."

Lines stretched around the building as Wake County voters embraced the flexibility of early voting.

"The lines are getting quite long. That's good, especially when people have choices like going to the fair," Tolland said. "They're choosing to put their county and their county first."

Fellow voter Aaryan Patel said he was surprised by the turnout.

"This is ridiculous," Patel said. "It's actually this early in the morning? It's crazy."

Olivia McCall, the director of the Wake County Board of Elections, said early voting offers more options for voters.

SEE ALSO: Sparse but serious turnout as early voting ends in Durham: 'It's important'

"The difference with early voting, you can actually register and vote at the same time," McCall said. "You can also update your address at an early voting site."

Voters can also visit any site during early voting rather than being assigned to a specific polling place on Election Day.

Voters are free to visit any early voting location in the county, instead of being restricted to a designated polling place on Election Day.

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For some, like first-time voter Evren Izzet, the excitement of casting their vote couldn't wait.

"I just turned 18 this year, so I thought it would be exciting to finally be able to participate in an election," Izzet said.

Others, including Jeff Hinshaw, said this also helps those with busy schedules.

"I think everybody should have an opportunity to vote," Hinshaw said. "Even those folks that have different work shifts or different work hours or traveling for business or whatever. So I think it's important."

Four early voting sites will be open until November 1, the last Saturday before the election. Voters are required to present a photo ID to cast their ballot. Those who do not have a photo ID can obtain one by visiting the Wake County Board of Elections office in advance.

"Municipal elections affect your life more than most national ones do, so get out there," Hinshaw said.

For a full guide to early voting in Wake County, click here.