Early voting attracts 19.7% turnout rate

Longboat Key’s Gulf of Mexico Drive undergrounding referendum has attracted 1,185 registered voters to vote during the town’s early voting and absentee ballot period.

The referendum asks voters whether the town can obtain bonds not to exceed $25.25 million to bury the road’s utilities.

If voters approve the referendum, construction could begin in 2017 and would take three years to complete.

As of Thursday, 1,185 voters, or 19.7% of the town’s 5,986 registered voters, took advantage of early voting or via absentee ballots.

In Sarasota County, 379 Key voters have taken advantage of early voting through Thursday. In Manatee County, 117 voters have taken advantage of early voting through Thursday.

Out of the 1,205 absentee ballots mailed to voters, 689 voters have returned their ballots.

Voters can still take advantage of early voting at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, until 4:30 p.m. today.

Registered voters can also cast their votes at the polls on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].