ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 Early voting begins Monday, Oct.19, in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Flagler, Brevard, and Volusia counties ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.<\/p>\n
In Orange County, voters will have more locations to choose from this year as election officials prepare for increased turnout.<\/p>\n
Orange County Supervisor of Elections<\/a> Karen Castor Dentel says 27 early voting locations will be open across the county, compared to 22 during the 2024 election. Her office has added seven new sites while also making changes to some existing locations.<\/p>\n Early voting in Orange County runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. Locations will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including weekends.<\/p>\n One of the changes this year is at the University of Central Florida<\/a>. The early voting location has moved from the Live Oak Center to the Barbara Ying Center, off Gemini Boulevard.<\/p>\n Castor Dentel says the new location offers better parking and easier access for students, university employees and people living off campus.<\/p>\n Orange County has approximately 820,000 registered voters.<\/p>\n According to Castor Dentel, about 180,000 people voted in the primary election, representing roughly 22.4% turnout.<\/p>\n Her office is expecting at least 50% turnout in the general election.<\/p>\n Election officials have spent the days leading up to early voting preparing equipment and setting up voting locations across the county.<\/p>\n Voters heading to an early voting location should bring identification with their photo and signature, such as a Florida driver\u2019s license or state identification card.<\/p>\n Castor Dentel says student IDs are also accepted for this election, although that will change under a new state law after this election.<\/p>\n Voters can also bring their sample ballots to help them make their selections.<\/p>\n Those who requested vote-by-mail ballots have another option if they don\u2019t want to return them through the mail.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we\u2019ve heard people who are hesitant to use the mail system. And I want people to know that it is safe and secure,\u201d Castor Dentel said. \u201cBut if they\u2019re not, if they don\u2019t feel comfortable putting it in the mail back to our office, they can drop it off at any of our 27 early voting locations.\u201d<\/p>\n Some early voting locations also offer drive-through ballot drop-off services.<\/p>\n Voters can find information about early voting locations and ballot drop-off options at VoteOrange.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Early Voting for Marion County begins Oct. 22, and on Oct. 24 in Sumter County.<\/p>\n Some counties end early voting on Oct. 31, with some ending on Nov. 1.<\/p>\n The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.<\/p>\n