Voter Turnout Light As Several Broward County Municipalities Hold Elections
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Voter turnout appeared to be light across Broward County as elections were held in seven municipalities.
Voters cast ballots for commission seats, municipal improvements, and even a mayor's job.
This is the first election in the county under the supervision of Peter Antonacci.
He was appointed by then Governor Rick Scott who suspended former Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes last year.
Snipes came under heavy criticism for how the November midterm election was handled and for the contentious recount process.
Snipes resigned but Scott suspended her. Snipes countered by rescinding her resignation and suing Scott in federal court.
That all ended when Gov. Ron DeSantis voided the November 30th directive issued by Scott removing Snipes from office.
He then said he would accept Snipes original resignation letter dated January 4th.
Peter Antonacci, who has no experience running elections, said he plans to complete Snipes term which ends in November 2020 and is not planning on running for reelection.
CBS4 spoke to Antonacci as he was making the rounds Tuesday, his first big test as Supervisor.
He says his biggest challenge is restoring public confidence.
"This community has suffered reputational dings and I would like to improve that perception," he said. "Everything in this business has to do with preparation. Ballots have to be printed, poll locations secured, and trucks rented.
"Barring unforeseen circumstances I think we'll have timely and accurate results."
Antonacci said there are 435,000 eligible voters.
"If we have 44,000 vote that will be ten percent and that will be an average day," he said.
He said the county sent out 52,000 mail in ballots and as of Tuesday morning 19,600 had been returned and tabulated.
Longtime voters expressed dismay over the slim turnout even in Coral Springs where the mayoral post is up for grabs after the untimely death of Skip Campbell.
"I'm here because others aren't," said Coral Springs voter Marty Offenther.
Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam is also hoping to hold onto his job as his city's voter go to the polls.
Voters in Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Miramar, and Pembroke Park will also be voting on commission seats.
In Fort Lauderdale, voters are facing ballot questions. One asks for approval of $100 million for a new police headquarters. Another asks for approval on a $200 million bond project for parks. There is also city charter questions on whether term limits should be increased and whether the charter's language should be cleaned up.
Voters in Hollywood are being asked to approve three bond measures. One is for $78 million for a new police headquarters.
The second is $64 million for parks, cultural facilities, and golf courses. The third would provide millions for neighborhood improvements and signage.
The polls are open until 7 p.m.
Bring a valid photo ID in order to vote.
There are no municipal elections Tuesday in Miami-Dade.
Voters in Hollywood are being asked to approve three bond measures. One is for $78 million for a new police headquarters. The second is $64 million for parks, cultural facilities, and golf courses. The third would provide millions for neighborhood improvements and signage.
The polls are open until 7 p.m.
Bring a valid photo ID in order to vote.
There are no municipal elections Tuesday in Miami-Dade.
