AKRON, Ohio — Saturday marked the first weekend of early voting in Ohio.

In Akron, many voters were taking advantage of the extended hours. Poll workers told News5 they were surprised by the number of people who showed up. Around 12, the wait time was about 45 minutes to an hour.

News5 spoke with several voters who said this is an important election. For most, the nation was on their minds.

“Abortion is just important to me,” said voter Val Sheppard. “Just the right to be able to have control over my own body.”

Several national issues preoccupied voter Kathy Kerzy.

“The economy,” she said. “Pro-life, the border. Those are big issues for me.”

More regional topics such as Issue 1 and local taxes were also concerns.

All voters agreed that everyone who can vote on or before election day.

“It is everyone’s civic duty to be a participant in this democracy,” said voter Trevor Mason. “It doesn’t work the way it should if people don’t vote.”