Judge Keeps Early Voting Centers Open In NW Ind.

CHICAGO (CBS) ― A judge has ruled that early voting centers in northwest Indiana will remain open.

Local Republicans had alleged that setting up different satellite voting locations in Gary, East Chicago, Hammond and Crown Point is illegal. The GOP also claimed the system invites both fraud and phony registrations.

Democrats say the Republicans are trying to disenfranchise minority voters in a state that Barack Obama has a chance to win. On Monday, special Judge Diane Kavadias-Schneider personally visited each of the early voting locations in Lake County. She wanted to see the safeguards for herself.

Early voters who were lined up in Crown Point Monday were convinced it's all on the up and up.

"You have the proper people to make sure it's going on in the proper way," said Essie Bailey-Demic. "Everyone shows an ID."

"It's highly intelligent to let us vote early," said Leontine Dupree. "We can get other people out to vote. The line won't be too long. This is very, very good."

But all the early voting could be for nothing. The GOP hinted that it might try further legal action to keep these votes from being counted.

As the battle over early voting locations in the county continues, some voters are growing weary of the focus here.

"Let it be over, November 4th, let it be over," a voter said.

But she and others say they still have faith in the process.

"I believe this is a very historical day and regardless of how long the line is, I'm willing to wait on that day," said early voter Ron Brewer.