Monroe County voters were turning out in significant numbers Tuesday morning as polls opened for the primary election, with nearly 500 voters casting ballots during the first hour.
Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the election.
She said 433 voters had already visited one of the county’s 33 precincts just over an hour after polls opened at 7 a.m.
“We are doing great,” Hodies said. “We are getting busy.”
Turnout was strong at several locations, including Bernstein Park, Big Coppitt, the Government Center, Glad Tidings, First Baptist Church in Marathon and the American Legion. She said officials were also looking for additional voters at precincts in Big Pine, Marathon and the Upper Keys.
Polls remain open until 7 p.m.
Voters who have a vote-by-mail ballot but have not completed it can bring the ballot to their precinct. Election workers can spoil the unused ballot and allow the voter to cast a ballot in person.
Hodies said voters who forget to bring their vote-by-mail ballot can also vote in person after election workers verify that the vote-by-mail ballot has not already been cast.
The Supervisor of Elections Office reported approximately 6,984 vote-by-mail ballots had been received, along with 4,065 early voters. Combined, that represented nearly 21% participation before Election Day voting was fully underway.
Hodies said the county is hoping for significantly higher turnout throughout the day.
“In 2022, we had around 57%,” Hodies said. “So we’re really looking for people to come out in droves. Let’s get out the vote, Monroe County. This is your chance to have your voice heard and make sure your vote counts.”
Voters who are unsure of their polling location can use the Supervisor of Elections website and the “Where to Vote” feature. Voters can enter their ZIP code to find their assigned precinct.
Hodies also reminded voters to bring a valid photo ID to the polls.
Election results will be reported Tuesday night as ballots are counted, with Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM planning live election coverage from the Harvey Government Center.
Hodies encouraged Monroe County residents who have not yet voted to make their way to the polls before the 7 p.m. deadline.
“Just make sure you bring your photo ID and get to the polls,” Hodies said.
For more information, click here: https://www.votemonroeflkeys.gov/