DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – More than 25,000 people voted early in Duval County on Monday for the first day of early voting, which is about 3,000 less than the record that was set in 2020, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office.
On the first day of early voting, voters across the Sunshine State, including those in St. Johns and Duval counties, got a chance to cast their ballots ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
For Clifford Sanford, the day provided an opportunity to vote and share a personal plea.
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“It’s very important, people died so we have the right to vote,” Sanford said. “My nephews, my cousins, all of ya’ll. Please come out to vote.”
While talking to News4JAX, Sanford proudly held his “I Voted” sticker in his hand moments after he walked out of the Legends Center. Although he is passionate about spreading the message of voting, he says his journey to getting to this point is complicated, adding that there was a time when he couldn’t vote.
“I didn’t have rights,” Sanford said. “Now I have rights back, so I’m grateful, thank God. Be an example for everybody. If I can do it, you can do it.”
He continued, “We take for granted so much until it’s taken away from you...You realize then how important it is.”
Kevin Langston, a retired military member who typically votes on Election Day, cast his ballot at Southeast Regional Library just off JTB and Southside Boulevard. He did not mince words when it came to voting Monday.
“Let’s get this crap out of the way’,” Langston said with a chuckle. “I was ready to get it over with. Now, if I could just stop the commercials from coming.”
Ginger Struckhoff also voted Monday at the Southeast Regional Library. She said she experienced a brief wait in line, but overall, the experience was efficient and took just a few minutes.
“I think our voices need to be heard,” Struckhoff said. “And it just makes my heart feel really good to see all of these people out here. I’ve never voted here and seen lines.”
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Kendall Anderson voted at the Mandarin Library on Monday, and that it was one of the easiest voting experiences he’s ever had.
“We want to make our voice heard and make sure we vote our convictions,” said Anderson.
Barbara Green also voted at the Mandarin Library, with her granddaughter in tow, because it was convenient.
“I came (to the library) for her, and then I went, ‘oh might as well vote.’ I’m here,” Green explained.
Brenda Nikielski also made early voting a family affair at the Mandarin Library.
“Our son it’s his first time voting in a presidential election, and he was ready to get out and put his vote in as a 19-year-old college student,” said Nikielski. “He wanted to make sure he was heard.”
Duval County Supervisor of Elections, Jerry Holland said he’s hoping for a very good turnout during early voting.
“We have less polling locations, you know, for Election Day. So as much as we do see some lines today in some locations, I would still encourage people vote early, because we can assure you there will be lines on election day,” Holland said.
Holland said one way people can make voting a quick process is by filling out your sample ballot before they go to the polls. All registered voters should have received one by mail.
News4JAX spoke with other early voters who said the issues they considered most when casting their ballots Monday included the economy, immigration, and overall leadership.
But they all had one common message: Vote.
Duval County has 24 early voting locations, including five new ones. Early voting will be available through November 3. Polls are open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
