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Highlands Today

Take Advantage Of Early Voting

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 11, 2008

The economy. The real-estate bubble. Jobs. Impact fees. Big budgets. A new sheriff's building. The list can go on.

There is no doubt that this year's election is crucial not just nationally, but also locally. While voters will have to wait until November to decide who they want as their next president, they can weigh in their choices for local leaders, starting today.

Early voting for the primary election starts today for local races. Registered voters can avoid long lines at the Aug. 26 primary by casting their votes early. We hope voters take advantage of early voting. There is a big turnout expected this year, and the best way to beat the crowds on primary election day is to vote early. Voters can cast their early ballots until Saturday, Aug. 23 at various locations countywide.

This year, the candidates are not the only ones working hard to get the voters' attention. Many seats have multiple contestants and voters are going to have to do some homework themselves.

The most high-profile race probably is of incumbent Sheriff Susan Benton being challenged in the Democratic primary by Avon Park Police Cmdr. Michael J. Rowan.

In other races, Democratic hopefuls Bruce Borkosky and Jeri Canale are running for the County Commission District 3 seat. Republicans will also choose between challenger Jeff Carlson and incumbent Andrew Jackson, for the same seat.

Republicans will be picking their favorite in the three-way race between Gayle Harrell, Tom Rooney and Hal Valeche, for the District 16 Congressional seat. Democrats, Republicans and nonpartisan voters will each pick their favorite for Circuit Judge 10th Circuit, between John Radabaugh and Nathaniel White.

This year, a record number of Highlands County voters go to the polls. Of the 64,575 qualified voters as of Aug. 1, 28,353 are registered Republicans, 25,514 are Democrats and 10,708 are listed as other.

We hope that many of these registered Democrats and Republicans cast their ballot. In the face of challenging times, it's even more important for voters to do their civic duty and help elect those who they consider are the best people who can do the job.

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