A methodology and structure for performing an erase verify in non-volatile memory is described. Both the odd wordlines and the even wordlines are driven to a high voltage level. This can be done simultaneously. The simultaneous charging of both the odd wordlines and the even wordlines, even when the erase verify will occur on only one of the odd or even wordlines reduces RC delay in the charging of the wordlines. After the odd and even wordlines are charged, then one set of wordlines, either the odd or even wordlines, is dropped to the erase verify voltage. The erase sense operation is then performed.