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Politics

Nearly 2 Million Florida Voters Cast Ballots in Early Voting

August 30, 2016 - 2:45pm

Voting has had a smooth start in the Sunshine State on primary day, and nearly 2 million voters have already cast their ballots in early voting for the August primary election, exceeding the number of voters in the 2012 and 2014 elections.

In a call with reporters, Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner said most polling places were reporting a generally problem-free polling situation across the state. 

Only one county, Miami Dade, had a significant issue with voting. A polling place in Miami Beach had to be moved a block away due to rounds of mosquito spraying to combat and prevent the Zika virus, which has invaded parts of Miami in recent months.

Florida has 67 counties and nearly 12.4 million voters, including more than 4.4 million Republicans, 4.7 million Democrats. Another  2.9 million voters aren’t registered with any party.

All Florida counties opened their doors to voters at 7 a.m. Tuesday to start off voting. 

Detzner said voter turnout was high for this year’s primary election, total voter turnout wouldn’t be available until later.

“While I believe that high turnout compared to previous primary elections will continue throughout the end of today’s poll closing, it is too premature for us to confirm any final turnout numbers from a statewide level,” Detzner said.

Over 1.2 million Floridians cast their votes via mail-in ballots and over 530,000 cast their votes via early voting, which took place over the last two weeks. Some counties extended voting through Sunday, hoping to give voters ample time to cast their ballots before Tuesday.

Voter turnout in the August primary election has typically covered between 18-21 percent over the last 10 years, a decline from previous years like 2002, where the voter turnout was as high at 29 percent. 

Florida, a closed primary state, only allows voters affiliated with specific party affiliations to vote for candidates in the primary election. 

Polling places will stay open until 7 p.m. Tuesday evening locally. Because part of Northwest Florida is in the Central Time Zone, full official results will not be available until after 8 p.m., when all polls will have closed statewide. 

A lot is at stake for some primary contests, and nothing is guaranteed. Voters will cast their ballots for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and statewide candidates. Voters will also make their voices heard on a constitutional amendment to provide tax breaks to Floridians who install solar panels on their homes. 

Ballot measures must receive 60 percent of the vote to pass. 

 

 

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