In the latest edition of our “Dispatches from the Polls” series, Project Vote’s Sarah Brannon reports from Central Florida on early voting.
Early voting in Orange and Osceola Counties has been running fairly smoothly. Election workers appear to be doing everything they can to help make sure that things continue to run smooth. There have been lines, but the election workers are working hard to try and get people through the lines as quickly as possible. And the crowds have been energetic—people are really excited to vote in this historic election.
Remember how important it is to vote and my advice to voters is to be patient, hang in there, and have fun. Voting is your most important civic right. And here in Florida every vote counts—past elections have been decided by a mere 500 votes. Plus, the great thing about early voting is that it allows you plenty of flexibility about when you go to vote, so hopefully each voter can choose a time when they have the ability to stand in-line.
Early Voting goes through Saturday, Nov 3, 8 a.m. to 8p.m. in Orange County at most locations. In Osceola County, early voting is available between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at most locations.
Here are a few tips for early voting tomorrow in Central Florida:
- First, all the early vote cites in central Florida are at public libraries, so for the most part they are all accessible. But because of the crowds at some locations the lines can be hard to manage for person with limited mobility. Bring a chair if you can; or bring a family member or a friend who can wait in the line while you are seating some place in the library. If you cannot bring a friend, please ask poll workers if they will help you secure a place in line while you wait your turn some place more accessible.
- Second, in all of Florida, you must vote in the county where you currently live. But if you have moved recently and did not update your address, you can call your local election official and they can update your address immediately over the phone. You will then immediately be able to vote at any early vote location in your county and avoid having cast a provisional ballot.
- Third, if you need to step out of line to resolve a problem (such going to get your required ID) make sure to ask the poll workers for a place holder. This place holder will allow come back to the front of the line once your issue is resolved.
- Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
GO VOTE!