Eatonville’s “Souls to the Polls” draws voters on final day of Orange County early voting

Eatonville’s “Souls to the Polls” draws voters on final day of Orange County early voting

EATONVILLE, Florida.On the final day of Florida’s early voting in Eatonville, worshipers at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church simply had to walk down the street to cast their vote.

“Voting has always been part of the exercise of civil rights, especially because of the struggles that black people have had to face throughout history,” said Pastor Willie C. Barnes.

Barnes said it’s great that Eatonville City Hall has a voting precinct for the first time this election cycle, providing his community with a more convenient option.

“There is no need to rush on Tuesday, so this is a very important step,” he added.

The Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center is now also home to a voting precinct, another area that is traditionally underserved during elections.

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Orange County Elections Supervisor Glen Gilzean said they are ready for Election Day.

“Our team has shipped the items and traveled to the various locations. All employees have picked up their materials, so we are ready.”

Those who missed early voting can vote in person on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must go to their assigned precincts to cast their ballot. If a voter still has a mail-in ballot, election officials advise that you NOT Do not send your postal ballot by mail now, but put it in a secure mailbox.

As of Sunday morning, about 10% of eligible voters in Orange County had cast their early ballots. Early voters said it was crucial to get out to the polls.

“I see it as my duty as an American citizen,” said voter Frederick Blanchard, “or as someone who has been given the responsibility to speak out.”

More than 1.55 million Florida residents cast their votes in Tuesday’s primary election.

Data posted on the state election agency’s website Friday morning showed that 1,143,344 people voted by mail, including 492,871 Democrats, 472,727 Republicans, 162,608 voters with no political affiliation and 15,138 third-party voters. Additionally, 412,545 people voted at polling places, including 259,962 Republicans, 121,815 Democrats, 27,754 voters with no political affiliation and 3,014 third-party voters.

In many Florida counties, early voting ended on Saturday, but in some, such as Orange County, additional voting is possible.

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