Do you want to make an impact by voting in this year's elections but want to avoid the lines?
Buddy Johnson, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, announced recently that voters registered on or before August 7 are eligible to vote in the September 5 Primary Elections as early as August 21 at 20 different locations throughout the county, including the Bloomingdale and Riverview libraries.
As part of election reform legislation in Florida, "early voting" has been available since 2002. For two weeks prior to the election, registered voters in Florida can cast their votes, an idea that has already proven to be a success in Hillsborough County and is getting more popular with each election. Registered voters can go to any of the locations designated as early voting sites and cast their ballot using a touch screen machine just as they would normally do on Election Day.
There is always last minute news coverage or other information about the candidates that comes out in the final days of a campaign. This information may be helpful in making a decision if you are undecided, but early voting provides flexibility and convenience.
Johnson states, " Hillsborough County voters appreciate the convenience and flexibility that early voting provides. We are pleased that we have been able to almost double the number of early voting sites available to our voters this year."
It is hoped that the convenience of early voting will encourage more voter participation. Once you have voted, either through early voting or by an absentee ballot, your vote is cast and final. Votes are tallied at the conclusion of Election Day, whether they have been through early voting, absentee ballot or on Election Day.
In addition to the Bloomingdale Library, located at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. and Riverview Branch Library at 10509 Riverview Dr., the following sites will be set up for early voting in Hillsborough County: Supervisor of Elections Offices, Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,County Center at 601 East Kennedy Blvd., 26th Floor and Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center at 2514 North Falkenburg Rd.
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