JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Early voting ends Sunday at 6 p.m.
Sunday marks the final day of the early-voting period as polls close at 6 p.m., prompting many residents to head to the polls to avoid the anticipated rush on Election Day.
Doors opened at 10 a.m., with people in lines eager to cast their vote.
For many, the decision to vote early was driven by a desire for efficiency and peace of mind. As of Saturday night, a total of 46,683 voters had cast early-voting ballots. When added to mail-in ballots, the number of votes cast to date totaled 66,454, according to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office.
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Paula Miller, a local voter, made one stop before continuing her typical Sunday routine to ensure her voice was heard. After waking up early to prepare for church, she decided to make a detour across the street to her regular polling place first.
“I always vote here,” Miller said. “I just come to church usually after, but I’m a little bit early, so I thought I’d take care of it before. You’re less likely to have to wait.”
Miller was far from alone in her strategy to beat the crowds. Fellow voter Keith Manze expressed a similar sentiment, choosing early voting as a way to streamline his day.
“I just want to get it done, you know,” Manze said. “I had everybody I wanted to vote for, and it’s just nice to get out of the way and beat the lines.”
Of the 66,454 votes cast early or by mail so far, 33,860 were from Democratic voters and 26,787 from Republican voters, with 5,807 from voters with no party affiliation.
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People who are registered to vote in Duval County can cast their votes at any of the 24 early voting locations. The August 18 ballot will include partisan primary races for Governor, state cabinet officers, U.S. Senate and some Congressional and legislative races. There are also several non-partisan city, county and judicial races that are open to all voters.
“I usually vote on Election Day, but for the last few years with all the stuff that’s going on, I’ve just been voting early,” said resident Broderick Smith. “Just to get it over with so there will be no issues.” After casting his ballot, Smith added, “I feel extremely well and feel like I’m doing my part.”
For those who missed the early voting window, the final opportunity to participate will be on Election Day itself. Polls will be open across the county from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registered voters planning to cast their ballots on Tuesday must vote at their specifically assigned legal precinct.
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