Early voting wrapping up this weekend
With early voting wrapping up this weekend, the primary election is set for Nov. 8.
Early voting kicked off on Oct. 24 and will continue through Nov. 5.
As of Friday afternoon, over 40,000 people had taken advantage of early voting.
“There’s a steady flow of people,” Vicki Collins, with the Lee County Elections Office, said.
She noted that she had not heard of any major issues at any of the sites.
A total of 10 early voting sites throughout Lee County have been open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those who decide to take advantage of early voting may visit any of the 10 designated locations.
“You have 10 different locations you can choose from,” Collins said.
“You don’t have to go to one particular spot,” she added.
Voters need to bring their photo signature identification with them.
“If something comes up on Election Day, you have no other option,” Collins said.
“It is always a safer bet if you’ve already voted,” she added.
All of the sites can be found online at: http://www.lee.vote/.
As of Wednesday, approximately 188,908 mail ballots had been requested. According to the Lee County Elections Office website, 178,787 had been mailed and 111,722 had been returned.
“We are breaking records with the amount that’s been requested and the amount that’s been returned,” Collins said, pointing out that mail ballots are an easy, convenient and safe method of voting.
“That’s the trend that we’re seeing across the state of Florida and across the nation,” she added.
The ballots can be mailed – postage is covered – or dropped off at a drop box.
“We’re seeing a quicker turnaround than in past elections,” Collins said.
“People are voting their ballots, then turning them in,” she added.
Collins recommended that voters fill out and return their mail ballots as soon as possible. The United States Post Office has warned that it may take several days, rather than a couple days, for returns.
“If you’re worried, use a drop box,” she said.
The mail ballot drop boxes are located at the following sites:
- Bonita Springs Branch Office, at 25987 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 105, Bonita Springs: Until 3 p.m. Nov. 8
- Cape Coral Branch Office, at 1039 S.E. Ninth Ave., Cape Coral: Until 3 p.m. Nov. 8
- Election Center, at 13180 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers: Until 5 p.m. Nov. 8
- Main Office, at 2480 Thompson St., Third Floor, Fort Myers: Until 7 p.m. Nov. 8
Mail ballots must be received at the main office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Voters who requested a mail ballot but decide to vote early or on Election Day can do so. They simply bring their entire mail ballot packet, including the envelope, to the polling location and surrender it.
On Nov. 8 – Election Day – the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“They have to vote in their precinct only,” Collins said. “There is no other option.”
Again, a photo identification with signature will be required to vote.
“We also highly recommend that people mark their sample ballot and bring it with them because it makes their voting experience go smoother,” she said.
Those who need to locate their polling site can contact the Lee County Elections Office or visit the website. Those looking for their precinct, or in need of an address change, should do so immediately.
“Don’t wait until Election Day,” Collins said.
“Get your information updated now to find out where you vote,” she added.
For more information about elections, candidates, early voting, mail ballots or precinct locations, contact the Lee County Elections Office at 239-LEE-VOTE (533-8683) or visit: http://www.lee.vote/.