CHICAGO (CBS) — Four days after Election Day on Saturday, Chicago voters reported waiting two or even three hours vote early.

It was a story of perseverance and civic pride.

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On Saturday morning, voters gathered around the corner of the Humboldt Park Branch Library, 1605 N. Troy St. The line was already in motion when residents arrived at 9 a.m. — just as the doors opened.

Pam Jimenez-Pinney and Chuck Pinney were among those waiting in line at Humboldt Park.

“It was a surprise, but not unexpected,” Chuck Pinney said. “I mean, so many people came out earlier this year.”

Some of the first voters of the day stood in line in Humboldt Park for two hours and fifteen minutes. Those who tried to shorten the wait at another location might have missed that goal — the Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch Library at 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave. the line was even longer.

The line turned the corner several times to enter the building on Milwaukee Avenue. It went through a stairwell, and there were more lines leading to the second floor voting room – where open voting machines waited for the next group to check in.

Shawn and Michelle Daviou came to the Wicker Park-Bucktown Library early Saturday to vote.

“We tried to come last night, but when we drove by the line was just really long and it was cold outside,” Michelle Daviou said, “so at least it's sunshine today.”

Early voting in Chicago is a story of perseverance. The Davious tried twice.

“The whole process took about three hours,” Michelle Daviou said. “We tried to be here at nine sharp.”

Meanwhile, the third time at the supersite at Clark and Lake streets in the Loop was the appeal for some voters. Zack Cylinder came downtown after the line at the Lincoln Park site on Fullerton Avenue was twice too long.

“My wife and I went there yesterday and the line was three and a half hours long, so we decided to come back – go to Lincoln Park again this morning – and the line was also three and a half hours long before it even got to the stand opened,” said Cylinder.

Everyone CBS News Chicago spoke to Saturday was happy they were able to vote for their candidates — even though some spent significantly less time doing so. They shorten the hours by submitting postal ballots.

“It was quick, easy and quick, as you can see,” said Mildred Jordils. “Now I can shop.”

But why the wait? CBS News Chicago reached out to the Chicago Board of Elections about this, and the board said, “Election judges are doing their best to keep up with ballot applications and ensure a continuous flow of votes.”

The number of early voters exceeded 2016 turnout but is below 2020 turnout