CHICAGO (WLS) – Chicagoans seeking to cast their ballots before Election Day stood in lines that stretched several blocks and in some cases lasted several hours.

Monday is the last day for early voting in Chicago and the suburbs, and lines were long no matter where you went.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Some people who saw the long lines at early voting polling stations in other parts of the city Monday morning got out and came to the downtown supersite, where the line wasn't as bad. But the Chicago Board of Elections said lines should be shorter on Election Day, which is a positive aspect of the shorts.

“On Monday, the day before the election, only 52 polling stations will be open for early voting on Election Day. We have over 945 polling locations open for voting,” said Max Bever, public information officer for the Chicago Board of Elections. “Generally we’re looking at about half an hour for polling places.”

RELATED | 2024 Voter Guide: Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin

The elections board wants to double the number of early voting sites, so there would be 100 of them across the city to reduce long lines. But that requires money that may not be readily available.

Lines at the supersite moved faster than at many other polling places but still stretched down the block and around the corner as scores of last-minute early voters waited to fill out their ballots.

“I was hoping it would be shorter because it was the day before the election and it's also the day after the weekend, but it was a lot longer than I thought,” said Kevin Theis, voter.

Two Puerto Rican sisters voting for the first time were front and center on the supersite Monday morning.

“It is very important to be heard and to just say what we want during this time,” said Valeria Alvarado Berrios.

And that's a good thing, because thirty minutes after Valeria and Fabiola showed up, the line grew to the next street.

“I've heard that people are waiting in line for up to three hours or just waiting to get into the building,” Valeria said.

They came to the polls more than ready and even filled out practice ballots, studying each candidate's policies.

“We still fulfilled our civic duty and ensured that every candidate was qualified,” Valeria said.

In Oak Park, Cook County's early voting site, it took Larry Fairchild three tries and a two-hour wait for his big moment at the ballot box. He had already tried to vote twice but didn't want to wait. Monday's warmer weather motivated him and hundreds of others to persevere. Wait times were reported to be similar to amusement park rides.

“The wait for this big moment easily lasted two hours,” said Fairchild.

“I’m ready to get it over with and make my family proud,” said 19-year-old first-time voter Leo Laudadio.

Helena Talavksi, 25, who was waiting at the Downers Grove location in DuPage County, said she was the last of her friends to vote

“Young people really care about this election because it is our future and it seems like a lot is riding on this election,” she said.

For many voters, in addition to fulfilling their civic duties, Monday was also an exercise in patience. Many spent the time on the phone; others prepared a book and brought it with them.

“I got here at about 1:41 a.m., I know that for sure. I was dropped off at Clark. “I had no idea how long it would take, but this is my second attempt to vote today, so this time I was prepared,” said voter Katie Jo Schuler.

“It's been four hours, a little hungry, but someone is handing out pizza, so that was nice,” said Zach Weiner, who was waiting to vote in Lincoln Park.

“I think it shows how excited people are to vote, which is pleasing, especially when you see there are a lot of younger people. It’s exciting,” said voter Andrea Vallejo.

According to the Chicago Board of Elections, Chicago Gen Z people under 25 who are registered represented the smallest percentage of those who voted early last week, at just four percent.

“I'm afraid that whatever happens tomorrow and whoever wins could have an impact on how safe I feel here,” Fabiola said.

Others said work commitments tomorrow brought them to work on Monday.

“There's a big labor conference tomorrow so I'm going to make sure my vote is cast,” said Patrick Foley, who voted in DuPage County. “I don’t trust the ballot, I’ll go in myself.”

Voters like Kenneth Kutemeier, who trust their ballots will be counted, said it was much easier than standing in line for two hours. Regardless of political affiliation, voters are nervous about the outcome but also relieved that the contentious presidential race is almost over.

“It was a little stressful, you try not to think about it much, but you know you have to do it,” Kutemeier said.

“We didn't necessarily debate the issues, but we debated personalities, which is no way to run a country,” said voter Warner Kiunte.

“Sometimes I’m embarrassed by our current policies compared to other countries,” Laudadio said.

With both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump all but deadlocked in key swing states and national polls, this leaves a sense of unease.

Fabiola said she was “nervous” and Valeria said she was “very anxious.”

These feelings of nervousness are something that many people have reported feeling.

The supersite will be open until 7 p.m., as will most early voting locations in the city and suburbs. Polling stations are open on election day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.