County reports steady primary numbers

The Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office is reporting steady voting numbers for today’s Republican Primary.

While some precincts were seeing a steady stream of voters in the early morning hours, others have seen lulls in voting during the late morning hours. Poll activity is expected to increase this afternoon after voters leave work and choose to vote before 7 p.m.

“Turnout has been very good so far,” said Sarasota County Republican Chair Joe Gruters. “People are excited for the day to be finally be here and to be able to cast a ballot on Election Day.”

Voters can also return absentee ballots on Election Day up to 7 p.m. tonight.

Florida Law requires voters to present photo and signature ID upon entering the polling place and prior to voting. A voter who appears at the polls without photo and signature ID will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot. Because Florida is a closed primary state, only registered Republicans will be eligible to vote in the primary. Voters who have questions may contact the supervisor of elections office at 861-8600 or visit the SOE website at www.SarasotaVotes.com.

Sarasota County has 119,962 registered Republicans.

For an update on who won the Republican Primary and how Sarasota County residents voted, check www.yourobserver.com tonight and pick up a copy of Thursday’s Feb. 2 Sarasota Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].