Early voting in Monroe County, Florida, is approaching 32% as the general election draws closer.
Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this moring to talk about Tuesday’s election.
She hopes to see turnout reach 60% or higher.
As of this morning, 17,231 voters had cast ballots. The total included more than 8,700 early in-person voters and approximately 8,486 mail-in ballots.
The county’s early voting turnout was already approaching the 32% participation recorded during the primary election.
“We’re at 31.51%. Yes, so we’re almost at 32,” Hodies said. “I’m looking for 60% or more voters. So keep coming out.”
Voters have been moving through early voting locations quickly, with most waiting no more than five minutes to cast their ballots.
Early voting continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. at five locations throughout the county. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The early voting locations include the Monroe County Elections Office on College Road, the Elections Office branch in Marathon at mile marker 52.5, the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo at mile marker 102, the Big Pine Key Community Park at the end of Sands Road, and the Plantation Key Community Center at the old courthouse, 88820 Overseas Highway.
Hodies said the turnout is particularly encouraging given concerns that voters might be less engaged in the general election because several local contests were decided during the primary.
However, she emphasized that voters still have important decisions to make, including races for governor and U.S. Senate, Amendment 3, and local races and referendums.
Local contests include a runoff for Key West City Commission District 4, two council seats in Key Colony Beach and several council races and charter referendums in Islamorada. Key West also has charter referendums on the ballot.
Hodies encouraged voters not to overlook local races when casting their ballots.
“Local government is so important, and people just do not understand that this is where their voice can be heard even more,” she said.
She urged residents to research local candidates and become informed about the issues before heading to the polls.
Hodies also addressed concerns about flooding and accessibility at early voting locations, saying her office has been checking sites and developing contingency plans with Monroe County Public Works.
“We’re going to make sure about that, and then just keep plugging along, keep trying to get these voters out to the polls,” she said.
She also reassured voters that election security remains a priority, noting that her office works with local law enforcement, the FBI, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and state election officials to investigate concerns and maintain the integrity of the process.
“The voters can feel very safe without intimidation or suppression to come out,” Hodies said. “There’s a lot of things that we can do to ensure that we have election security and safety, and that every single concern is looked at and looked into.”
Hodies praised the county’s election workers and staff, noting that more than 200 election workers are helping with the process, along with 10 employees in the elections office.
She said she is grateful for their dedication and commitment to Monroe County voters.
Her message to residents was simple.
“Very short, two words: go vote,” Hodies said.