For Many In Broward, Voting Early Means Staying Late
BROWARD (CBSMiami) – On the last day of early voting in Broward County, many said the lines were the longest they'd seen all week.
In Weston, voters waited for hours, but the wait depended in large part on where people voted and what time. In Pompano in the morning, the wait was less than an hour and some in Lauderhill managed to get in and out even more quickly.
"It moves pretty fast," said Lemuel Hall who reported only about a half hour wait to cast his ballot. He has to work Tuesday and wanted to make sure his vote counted.
John Gargotta wanted to cast his vote to avoid election day lines. He did his homework before heading to the polls. "I went on the website to check it out. This [Lauderhill] was one of the lower ones. They were right on time they said an hour and a half that's good."
Broward County Supervisor of Elections, Dr. Brenda C. Snipes says Broward County early voting is on pace to rival 2008 numbers even though Floridians have eight days of early voting this year, down from 14 during the last presidential election.
For Broward the early voting totals through November 2nd, which does not include this last day of early voting. The numbers stand at 210,236 early voters.
In 2008, 253,187 voters cast ballots early in Broward. This year voters have already surpassed 2004 early voting totals when 176,194 people voted early in Broward County..
Snipes says for the most part, the voting process has gone smoothly in her county. "I don't think we've had any major issues that are goinng to cause a meltdown or anything. Our numbers are looking good our participation is outstanding and I'm just waiting to see what it's like on Tuesday," she said.
