Thousands cast ballots early ahead of Florida primary election
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
Tens of thousands of Orange County voters cast their ballots early ahead of Florida’s primary election Tuesday, when dozens of races across Central Florida will be decided.
Early voting ended at 7 p.m. Sunday. Orange County offered 27 early-voting locations, and registered voters could cast a ballot at any of them, regardless of their assigned Election Day polling place.
Voters at the Winter Park Library described the process as quick and straightforward.
“Pretty easy, pretty cut and dry,” voter Daniel Hughey said. “Nothing too crazy. Walk up, show ID, get a ballot, fill everything out.”
Hughey, 25, said his mother inspired him to participate and exercise his right to express how he feels about issues affecting his life.
Voter Natalie Casey said early voting was convenient, but she prefers casting her ballot in person because of the sense of community and civic responsibility.
“When you’re all standing there, and sometimes in lines, you’re like, ‘This is important to do,’” Casey said. “It’s worth coming out, standing in lines and rubbing shoulders with people as you’re all waiting.”
Casey said she was thrilled to see such a large and diverse turnout.
“It was a variety of people, a variety of ages and demographics that I saw, which was really awesome,” Casey said.
With early voting over, voters must go to their assigned polling places Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Florida has closed partisan primaries, meaning voters generally may cast ballots only in the primary of the political party with which they are registered. Eligible voters may also vote in nonpartisan contests appearing on their ballots.
Voters must bring a current and valid photo identification that includes a signature.
Casey encouraged people to research the candidates and be as educated as you can before casting your vote.
“Try to be as confident as you can in your voting,” he said. “Be as educated as you can by looking at some of the resources that we have and talking to people in your circle who might have an opinion that you don’t already know about.”