Voting for next week’s primary election has reached about 1.2 million Floridians casting ballots.
The Florida Division of Elections says most of those ballots were mailed in, but more than a quarter were cast in person.
Early voting continues in Leon County through Sunday. The primary election is the topic of today's Speaking Of.
"I think 'primary' is a bit of a misnomer," says Leon Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley. "All of the local races here in Leon County as well as many across the state are nonpartisan races."
The final outcome is expected to be determined in some races this week, like Leon County School Board District 5 and two races in the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
"Judges are important. If you or a loved one ends up in court, those judges will potentially determine their fate."
Even in the race for mayor of Tallahassee, a winner could be chosen this week out of the four candidates.
"It's possible," Earley says. "If one of the four candidates gets 50% plus one of the votes cast this election in the mayor's race, then they will be the mayor. So, there is a chance that either the mayor or one of the city commission seats could be decided this election."
Otherwise, the top two candidates will move on to the November ballot.
"If your chosen candidate is very close between second and third place, you need to get out there and vote so that they can go on to the general election," Earley says. "If you're not voting now, you're really doing your candidates a big disservice."
Earley says primary elections are dramatically influential for the political parties, and low voter turnout can impact representation.
Also on today's episode, we hear why Arnie, the basset hound, is not a qualified candidate for mayor. Plus, WFSU's Tristan Wood breaks down some of the key races and offers analysis.
Click LISTEN above to hear the full segment.
