Early Voting Ends Today

Want to vote early? Today is your last chance.

The county's two polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate voters.

After today, they must wait until Tuesday.

And although the crowds have been thick for early voting, many people still prefer to wait until Election Day proper, Supervisor of Elections Annie Williams said.

They like to be caught up in the atmosphere of actual voting day, she said.

Still, it is evident early voting scored a hit this year. Record crowds showed up at the westside and downtown elections offices to cast ballots.

As of Thursday, a total of 17,613 people have voted early in Hernando County. Also as of Thursday, 17,086 absentee ballots have been returned to the county.

Out of a 123,114 registered voters in Hernando County, 34,699 have voted so far for a percentage of 28 percent.

Williams said the excitement of the national presidential race has filtered down to the local level. There are three county commissioners seeking re-election this time around, which also adds to the interest.

The Spring Hill referendum on fire district independence is also a hot draw.

"So many of our voters feel like this is their chance to get out there and let their voice be heard," she said.

County commissioners and school board members will be sworn in the second Tuesday after the election, or Nov. 18.

Voters can cast their ballots today at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 North Main St., room 165 in downtown Brooksville and at the Spring Hill Government Center, 7443 Forest Oaks Blvd. in Spring Hill.