Marion County Turnout Hits 33.76% as Early Voting Ends
Republicans cast nearly 46,000 ballots in the ten-day window, while voters weigh two major property tax and bond measures on Tuesday.
By Rahul Garnier ·
Marion County election officials reported that 91,586 registered voters cast ballots before the early voting period closed on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The total represents 33.76% of the county's 271,268 active eligible voters. This count includes 62,143 people who voted in person and 29,443 individuals who returned mail ballots.
In-person attendance stayed steady throughout the ten-day window. The busiest day was Oct. 22, when 7,985 voters showed up. Participation rose again near the end of the period, with 7,275 voters on Friday and 7,226 on Saturday.
Party affiliation data shows a clear divide in early participation. Republicans accounted for 45,849 votes. Democrats submitted 29,736 ballots. Unaffiliated voters cast 13,450 votes, and third-party candidates received 2,551 votes.
Voters face a crowded ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. The top race pits Republican Byron Donalds against Democrat David Jolly for Florida governor. For U.S. Senate, Republican Ashley Moody competes against Democrat Angie Nixon and independent Neil J. Gillespie.
In Congress, incumbent Republican Kat Cammack faces Democrat Seth Harp and independent Mike Klein in District 3. In District 6, Republican Randy Fine runs against Democrat Eric Yonce and Libertarian Andrew Parrott.
Local races include two school board seats. In District 4, Mike Mills and Brigitte Smith seek to replace Nancy Thrower. In District 5, incumbent Sarah James faces Donald Barber. Countywide, voters will decide whether to renew a one-mill operating tax for school programs through June 2031 and whether to authorize $140 million in bonds for land preservation. Dunnellon residents will vote on a charter amendment regarding police chief appointment.
Source: Ocala-News.com
