About 25 percent of Republicans, Democrats have already cast primary ballots
About 25 percent of Republicans, Democrats have already cast primary ballots
BRADENTON -- The seven days of early voting wrapped up Saturday with more than 12,000 votes cast overall, according to Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett.
More than 30,000 absentee ballots have also been received, he added.
"We think of the people that could vote -- about 150,000 or 160,000 Republicans and Democrats -- 25 percent have already voted," Bennett said.
The supervisor said he is looking forward to Election Day on Tuesday.
"I think it's going to be a great time," Bennett said. "I don't expect any issues."
His hope was voters would come throughout the day. He said to expect a longer line if voters come first thing at 7 a.m. or two hours before closing around 5 p.m. when many get off work
Saturday's close of early voting was slightly busier than the opening of it the previous Saturday with more than 500 votes cast compared with about 400, according to clerk Monica Wright at the Supervisor of Elections precinct.
It was a "very, very even" and "nice steady stream of people all day," Wright said.
Husband and wife, Richard and Darlene Borovicka, were among the last voters Saturday and said they voted for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Jobs was a big reason for their voting decision, Darlene Borovicka said. She said she thought the country needs a businessman like Trump to bring jobs back.
"It needs to be more serious than politicians," she said. "I don't have faith in the politicians."
Her husband added: "We are ready for change."
The couple said they have two sons in their 20s.
"I see their struggles," she said. "We are not in a good place."
Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.
This story was originally published March 12, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "About 25 percent of Republicans, Democrats have already cast primary ballots ."