Orlando, Fla. – The early voting period for Central Florida is officially over, and multiple counties are having record breaking numbers.
Thousands of Central Florida residents came out early to cast their ballot, whether it was in person, or with mail-in ballots, numbers have been historical. County Supervisors say the big numbers are just the beginning and are encouraging more registered voters to come out on Election Day, this Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“We’ve had record turnout in this historic election, and I am so proud of Orange County voters stepping up to the plate, letting their voice be heard,” said Orange County’s Supervisor of Elections, Glen Gilzean. “Between vote by mail and also early voting, we’ve had over 350,000 people already cast their vote.”
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Over in Lake County, election leaders say their 62% turnout was record breaking from past elections.
“In 2020 we had 91,000 and change for early voting, and this year we already had almost 99,000 early voters. I’m confident we’ll top 100,000 early voters alone,” Alan Hays, Supervisor of Elections in Lake County said.
Hays is also encouraging those who filled out a mail-in ballot to bring it by in person, instead of mailing it this late in the season.
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“Well because we have to have the ballot in our possessions by 7 p.m. on Election Day and if you put it in the mail, you’re taking a risk that it may get here and it may not and we don’t want any voter to not have their voice be heard in this historic election,” Hays said.
The percentage of early votes including mail-in ballots for each county is as follows:
Brevard – 60%
Flagler – 67%
Lake – 62%
Marion – 55%
Orange – 54%
Osceola – 57%
Seminole – 56%
Sumter – 73%
Volusia – 61%
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Poll workers are ready to greet and assist voters on the big day; it’s something they have worked really hard to be prepared for.
“It’s somewhat like a chef who sets a big banquet table, they want everybody to come and enjoy the feast; and that’s what we are – we have set the table we want all those eligible voters to come out and vote,” Hays said.
Election Day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You are reminded to bring some form of photo and signature identification.
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