More than 150,000 voters in Sarasota County have already cast early or mail-in ballots, about 46% of registered voters, according to numbers released this morning. In Manatee County, roughly 122,000 ballots are in, representing about 42% of turnout. Together, that’s over a quarter million votes cast on the Suncoast before Election Day even began.
Election workers say today’s in-person voting will push those totals higher. If you haven’t voted yet, you still have time: polls across Florida remain open until 7 p.m. tonight. Voters heading out should double-check their polling location, since precincts can change between election cycles.
One practical takeaway from all those early ballots is timing. When nearly half the votes are already in hand, results can come in faster once the polls close at 7. Did you vote early, or are you heading to the polls today? Tell us on our social pages.
