Early voting begins Monday; high turnout expected

Early Voting for the 2024 General Election begins Monday.

Registered voters in Lee County can begin casting their ballots on Oct. 21, with the Early Voting period running through Nov. 2.

There are 12 locations throughout the county where individuals can vote, as well as drop off their vote-by-mail ballot. Locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle said he and his staff are ready for the Early Voting period and have ensured equipment is ready to handle the turnout.

"We thoroughly test all 232 tabulators and electronic poll pads that will be used in the election," Doyle said. "We also conduct a state-mandated public Logic and Accuracy Test of the voting equipment and voting system to ensure they're tabulating and counting votes accurately."

Voting locations include:

• Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library – 921 Southwest 39th Terrace, Cape Coral

• Lee County Elections Cape Coral Branch Office – 1039 Southeast 9th Ave.

• Northwest Regional Library – 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral

• North Fort Myers Recreation Center – 2000 N. Recreation Parkway

• Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers – 4224 Renaissance Preserve Way,, Fort Myers

• Lakes Regional Library – 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers

• Lee County Elections Center – 13180 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers

• Fort Myers Regional Library – 1651 Lee St.

• Lehigh Acres Elections Office – 600 Homestead Road Suite #9, Lehigh Acres

• East County Regional Library – 881 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres

• Estero Recreation Center – 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero

• Lee County Elections Bonita Springs Branch – 25987 S. Tamiami Trail #105

Taking advantage of the Early Voting period and not waiting for Election Day itself could prove to be a benefit to voters.

"People are very interested in voting in this election, and we expect a very high turnout," Doyle said. "Vote early to eliminate any possibility of lines on election day. If you do encounter lines, please remain patient. If you plan to vote in person, I suggest you review your sample ballot so that you're prepared when voting at the polls."

Doyle also spoke to the importance of voting in an election, especially this year.

"The politics are so divided that it's firing up voters," he said. "Many view the upcoming election as one of the most critical elections of our lifetime, so it's important that you exercise your right to vote."

In addition to the hotly contested presidential race highlighted by the Donald Trump/JD Vance and Kamala Harris/Tim Walz faceoff, races and state constitutional amendments on the General Election Ballot in Lee County include:

• City of Cape Coral City Council

District 2- Laurie Lehmann and Dan Sheppard (incumbent)

District 3- Derrick Donnell and Deborah Lee McCormick

District 4- Richard Carr (incumbent) and Jennifer Nelson

District 5- Joseph Kilraine and Charlie Pease

District 7- Michael Harper and Rachel Kaduk

Cape Coral City Council races are non-partisan, at-large elections meaning Cape Coral voters may cast a ballot in each race no matter in which district they reside.

• Lee County School Board

District 7- Vanessa Chaviano and Sheridan Chester

The District 7 race is at-large, meaning all Lee County voters may cast a ballot in this race.

• District Superintendent of Schools

Denise Carlin (REP) and Victor Arias (DEM)

• Lee County Sheriff

Carmine Marceno, incumbent (REP) and write-in Michael Hollow

• Board of County Commissioners

District 3- David Mulicka (REP) and write-in Jake Cataldo

District 5- Mike Greenwell, incumbent (REP incumbent) and Kizzie Fowler (DEM)

Lee County Commission races are at-large elections meaning Lee County voters may cast a ballot in each race no matter in which district they reside.

• Lee Memorial Health System Board of Directors

District 5- Daniel Alder, Kathy Bridge-Lines and Joseph R. Gambino

United States Senator

• Rick Scott (REP) and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (DEM) and three other challengers

• Representative in Congress

District 19- Byron Donalds, incumbent (REP) and Kari L. Lerner (DEM)

• State Representative

District 79- Mike Giallombardo, incumbent (REP) and Denise McCleary (DEM)

• Constitutional Amendments

Voter vote yes to approve, no to oppose. A 60% majority is required for passage.

Amendment No. 1- Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards

Amendment No. 2- Right to Fish and Hunt

Amendment No. 3- Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

Amendment No. 4 – Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion

Amendment No. 5- Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions

Amendment No. 6- Repeal of Public Financing for Statewide Campaigns Amendment

For a sample ballot visit

Thursday, Oct.24, is the last day voters can request a Vote-by-Mail ballot to be mailed by the Lee County Supervisor of Elections office for the 2024 General Election.

For more vote-by-mail information, visit www.lee.vote/Vote-by-Mail/Vote-by-Mail-Information .