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Highlands Today

Few Ballots Cast Early

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By GARY PINNELL

Highlands Today

Published: August 24, 2008

SEBRING - Early voting ended Saturday with a flurry, but so far, the 2008 primary is turning out to be a yawner for the voters.

"It appears to be pretty busy today," Assistant Election Supervisor Norma Stokes said on Friday.

But for the entire two-week early voting period, only 2,164 ballots had been cast.

Stokes compared that with the 2004 presidential year primary, when 6,579 voters came to the three polls in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid. In 2006, the gubernatorial election year primary, 2,506 voted early.

"It's pretty light," Stokes said. "I was disappointed."
Early voting started Aug. 11 and ended Aug. 23. For those who haven't voted already, the primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 26.

In the primary, Democrats are choosing between former commissioner Jeri Canale and psychologist Bruce Borkosky in the race for District 3 county commissioner; Jeff Carlson and incumbent Andrew Jackson are Republicans seeking the same position.

Commissioners represent their district, but they are elected county wide.

Also, Democrats can choose between incumbent Susan Benton and Avon Park Police Commander Mike Rowan for sheriff.

Republicans will also pick their man or woman to stand against incumbent Democrat Tim Mahoney in the 16th District congressional race. Gayle Harrell, Tom Rooney and Hal Valeche are in the Republican primary.

In the non-partisan race for circuit court judge, Lakeland attorney John Radabaugh is taking on Bartow attorney Nathaniel White.

Whoever wins, the race may be decided by senior citizens, according to statistics from the supervisor of elections office. Of the 2,164 ballots cast by Friday afternoon, 1,617 (75 percent) belonged to people 60 and over; only 547 to age 59 and under.

Republicans cast 1,151 ballots, Democrats 934, other parties 79.

White voters numbered 1,978; blacks 87; Hispanics 63. Females outnumbered males, 1,121 to 1,042.

Gary Pinnell can be reached at gpinnell@highlandstoday.com or 863 386-5828

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