The primaries on Tuesday morning are running smoothly so far, said Foreign Minister Cord Byrd said.

“This morning we contacted all of the heads of election offices and were assured that the polling places are prepared and equipped for voters,” Byrd said during a press conference that began 90 minutes after polls opened. “We have not received any reports of any major problems preventing voters from casting their ballots.”

So far, about two million Florida residents have cast their votes through early voting or by mail, Byrd said.

“We are in constant contact with county election officials today,” he added. “One of our top priorities is supporting Florida election officials. If help is needed, the Department of State stands ready to help.”

Almost 100,000 people cast their votes after the polls opened, he said at the 9:30 a.m. press conference. Voter turnout is currently around 15 percent, and Byrd expects it to be around 20 to 25 percent by the end of election day.

“We don’t have a lot of big, nationally contested primaries this time,” Byrd said, adding that 20 to 25 percent turnout is typical in primaries. “We always want higher numbers, and they’re certainly going to be much higher in November.”

Throughout Florida, Voters decide many elections that impact their communities, from local school boards to judicial elections to constitutional officers who face fierce competition in primaries.

The polling stations are open until 7 p.m.

For last-minute customers, that means anyone in line by 7 p.m. can cast their vote, Byrd said.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the election supervisor no later than 7 p.m., so county election officials are talking with their contacts at the U.S. Postal Service to make sure ballots are delivered on time, Byrd said.

“Voting is the only way to make your voice heard, and we want to make sure you can do that,” Byrd said.

Post views: 0