Politics & Government
Early Turnout Low, Hopes High for Late-Day Vote
The GOP Presidential Preference Primary runs its course as the call goes out to Brandon Republicans to fulfill their civic duty and vote.
John Parker has been a poll worker for 21 years and he's been voting himself for more than 60 years, which is why when he says this year's election is imperative, notice should be paid.
"This is probably the most important election I've seen in my years," said Parker, 80, outside Precinct 825, at the at Bryan and Lumsden roads.
The issues facing the country are great, he added, noting among them "unemployment, the economy and the moral fabric of the country deteriorating."
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His advice to the electorate: "Get out and vote your conscience."
But are they heeding the call to vote?
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As of 2:30 pm., 10 sample precincts in Hillsborough County were reporting about 18 percent of eligible voters had cast their ballot today, according to the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections.
"From my experience, I believe it's a very low turnout, so far," said Frank Behrendt, the clerk for Precinct 825, where a day before the press was invited to .
"But we're still only half-way through the day," Behrendt added, in an interview shortly after lunchtime Jan. 31. "We still have six hours to go and we're optimistic we'll get people to stop by after work or after they pick up the kids from school."
Florida is a closed primary state and Republicans are asked to vote today for their preference for the Republican presidential candidate.
The primary sets off the presidential election season that along with it brings state and local offices to fill and referendums to consider.
"If it's important to you, you need to vote," Behrendt said. "And it should be important to you. Don't miss the opportunity to vote."
As for Parker, he practices what he preaches.
"I've always voted and when I retired, I volunteered at the polls," he said. "They pay you a little but that's not why I do it."
Why does he do it?
"I've volunteered at the food pantry for many years and I still do Meals on Wheels, and things like that," Parker said. "I just like to give back to the community and to my fellow man."
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