Early voting sees ‘record numbers’
Not even one week into the Early Voting period for the 2024 General Election, officials are seeing historic numbers when it comes to voter turnout thus far.
Early Voting started last Monday and runs through Nov. 2. There are 12 locations throughout the county where individuals can vote, as well as drop off their vote-by-mail ballot. Locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle said the number of ballots are already coming in “record numbers.”
“Turnout for Early Voting and Vote-by-Mail is great so far,” Doyle said. “Early Voting is seeing record numbers. The 2020 general election saw higher Vote-by-Mail numbers, but that was due to COVID-19.”
As of Thursday afternoon, a total of 157,392 votes had been counted by the Elections Office — 111,941 Vote-By-Mail, and 45,407 in Early Voting (37 provisional). Those numbers equate to a 32.09% voter turnout.
“Voters are eager to cast their votes,” Doyle said on what the high-number so far means.
Doyle said some misinformation on social media was spread concerning the functionality of the Express Vote voting machines, “but that was quickly debunked. Using the Express Vote is quick, easy and secure. If a voter encounters an issue, they should seek immediate assistance from a poll worker.”
He added that voters are encouraged to review and mark their sample ballot before going to the polls. There is a two-page ballot containing six amendments, and knowing what they want to vote for ahead of time can save individuals a significant amount of time at the polls.
He also reminded voters to bring a valid photo ID with their signature.
Taking advantage of the Early Voting period and not waiting for Election Day itself could prove to be a benefit to voters.
“Voters have more voting flexibility before Election Day,” Doyle said. “Avoid the Election Day rush and vote early in person or by mail. On Election Day you can only vote in your assigned precinct.”
Voting locations include:
• Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library – 921 Southwest 39th Terrace, Cape Coral
• Lee County Elections Cape Coral Branch Office – 1039 Southeast 9th Ave.
• Northwest Regional Library – 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral
• North Fort Myers Recreation Center – 2000 N. Recreation Parkway
• Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers – 4224 Renaissance Preserve Way, Fort Myers
• Lakes Regional Library – 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
• Lee County Elections Center – 13180 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
• Fort Myers Regional Library – 1651 Lee St.
• Lehigh Acres Elections Office – 600 Homestead Road Suite #9, Lehigh Acres
• East County Regional Library – 881 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres
• Estero Recreation Center – 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero
• Lee County Elections Bonita Springs Branch – 25987 S. Tamiami Trail #105
In addition to the hotly contested presidential race highlighted by the Donald Trump/JD Vance and Kamala Harris/Tim Walz faceoff, races and state constitutional amendments on the General Election Ballot in Lee County include:
• City of Cape Coral City Council
District 2- Laurie Lehmann and Dan Sheppard (incumbent)
District 3- Derrick Donnell and Deborah Lee McCormick
District 4- Richard Carr (incumbent) and Jennifer Nelson
District 5- Joseph Kilraine and Charlie Pease
District 7- Michael Harper and Rachel Kaduk
Cape Coral City Council races are non-partisan, at-large elections meaning Cape Coral voters may cast a ballot in each race no matter in which district they reside.
• Lee County School Board
District 7- Vanessa Chaviano and Sheridan Chester
The District 7 race is at-large, meaning all Lee County voters may cast a ballot in this race.
• District Superintendent of Schools
Denise Carlin (REP) and Victor Arias (DEM)
• Lee County Sheriff
Carmine Marceno, incumbent (REP) and write-in Michael Hollow
• Board of County Commissioners
District 3- David Mulicka (REP) and write-in Jake Cataldo
District 5- Mike Greenwell, incumbent (REP incumbent) and Kizzie Fowler (DEM)
Lee County Commission races are at-large elections meaning Lee County voters may cast a ballot in each race no matter in which district they reside.
• Lee Memorial Health System Board of Directors
District 5- Daniel Alder, Kathy Bridge-Lines and Joseph R. Gambino
• United States Senator
Rick Scott (REP) and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (DEM) and three other challengers
• Representative in Congress
District 19- Byron Donalds, incumbent (REP) and Kari L. Lerner (DEM)
• State Representative
District 79- Mike Giallombardo, incumbent (REP) and Denise McCleary (DEM)
• Constitutional Amendments
Voter vote yes to approve, no to oppose. A 60% majority is required for passage.
Amendment No. 1- Partisan Election of embers of District School Boards
Amendment No. 2- Right to Fish and Hunt
Amendment No. 3- Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
Amendment No. 4 – Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
Amendment No. 5- Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions
Amendment No. 6- Repeal of Public Financing for Statewide Campaigns Amendment
For a sample ballot visit Lee.vote.
For more vote-by-mail information, visit Lee.vote/Vote-by-Mail.
For Early Voting information, visit Lee.vote/Early-Voting-Information.