As Election Day approaches, more than 145,000 Durhamites have already cast their ballots. 
Our writers Sofie Buckminster and Ethan Davoditch spent time at the polls during early voting and share vignettes from a longtime voter, a child of immigrants and a dedicated election volunteer.
And photographer Kulsoom Rizavi’s images, seen above and below, tell their own story, capturing voters queuing up to cast their ballots at Karsh Alumni Center and the main branch of the Durham County Library.
We also have stories on local South Asians’ views of Kamala Harris’ candidacy and on the role of Durham’s rising group of unaffiliated voters.
Finally we hear how elections director Derek Bowens is preparing for the coming election and look at the role of poll observers.
Above: Thousands showed up to vote early at Karsh Alumni Center and the main branch of the Durham County Library. Photos by Kulsoom Rizavi — The 9th Street Journal