ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
With less than two weeks until Election Day, Orange County mayoral candidates Tiffany Moore Russell and Chris Messina are encouraging voters to cast their ballots early.
More than 130,000 Orange County residents have already voted either early or by mail, accounting for nearly 15% of the county’s 820,000 eligible voters.
Mayoral candidate Tiffany Moore Russell, who voted on Saturday, expressed her desire to see voter turnout increase.
“There’s so much at stake, and I would love to see those numbers increase as we head into the second week of early voting,” Russell said.
Russell outlined her campaign priorities, which include creating more high-paying jobs, expanding housing opportunities, and addressing traffic issues as the county grows.
“I’m running for mayor because of these two, because I want to make sure that I can leave a community that they want to return to raise their family,” Russell said.
Her opponent, Chris Messina, emphasized his focus on economic development and highlighted his ongoing efforts in the community.
“I’ve been working on bringing clean water to Wedgefield, economic development to Parramore by extending the Economic Opportunity Zone and the Space Academy to Central Florida,” Messina said.
Both candidates are urging voters to make their voices heard before Election Day.
“My message just to the 78% that didn’t vote in August: come out to vote. Make sure your voice is heard and you let us know who you want to lead you,” Russell said.
Messina also stressed the importance of voting.
“Voting really, it’s a fundamental right and privilege, but also a responsibility of every American citizen, so we had men and women throughout the centuries that have died for this,” Messina said.
Orange County has 27 early voting locations open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., where voters can cast their ballots at any location before Election Day.