News

Voter turnout expected to be low in primary vote

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If early voting numbers in Duval County are any indication, voter turnout is expected to be relatively low in Tuesday’s primary election. Just more than 7 percent of registered voters cast ballots early.

Those numbers project to about a 21 percent turnout, according to Jerry Holland, supervisor of elections for the county.

“Even you though you predict the turnout, you can't go in and print out only 20 percent of the ballots or something,” Holland said. “You can't reduce your cost to what it might be as again, everyone entitled to vote tomorrow. So we really don't know how many until the election's over.”

Gov. Rick Scott and Charlie Crist face contested primaries, but experts project both men to win easily. Holland said a November match-up between the two men would likely drive increased turnout.

Certain areas did see as many as 17 percent of voters cast ballots early. Those include parts of state House District 15, where there is a contested Republican primary to replace Dan Davis. There’s also a couple of school board races drawing voters to the polls.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters with last minute questions can call 904-630-1414 or log onto Duvalelections.com.