Manatee County voters flood supervisor of elections office ahead of primary voting registration deadline

MANATEE -- The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office was "a zoo" Tuesday, the deadline for eligible voters to register or change party affiliation ahead of the March 15 Florida presidential primary, Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett said.

"We have literally had lines out the door," he said.

The turnout was a mix of people registering for the first time and those who wished to change party affiliation, Bennett said.

The Florida primary is closed meaning only voters registered as a Democrat or Republican can vote. Voters without affiliation are not eligible to vote for party candidates in the primary.

Bennett said he and his staff do not talk to those registering about why they are changing party affiliation, but said some front-runners -- in both parties -- are probably having an effect on the number of people coming out to register.

"People are more aware of it," he said.

Earlier Tuesday after

noon, the office ran a count of newly registered voters and party registration changes so far in 2016. It begins Jan. 1 up until 1:45 p.m. Tuesday.The breakdown:

Newly registered Republicans: 768.

Newly registered Democrats: 535.

Newly registered nonpartisan/minor party voters: 561.

Change from Democratic to Republican: 421.

Change from Democratic to nonpartisan: 75.

Change from Republican to Democrat: 136.

Change from Republican to nonpartisan: 37.

Change from nonpartisan to Democratic: 394.

Change from nonpartisan to Republican: 734.

Early voting begins March 5 in Manatee County through March 12.

Five early voting locations will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during eight days of early voting: Supervisor of Elections, Palmetto Library, Rocky Bluff Library, Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and West Manatee Fire and Rescue Administration.

Bennett also encouraged people to sign up to vote by mail. The deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 9.

If you missed the deadline for the presidential primary, you still have time to change party affiliation or register to vote for the primary election Aug. 30.

For more information visit the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website at VoteManatee.com or call 941-741-3823.

Meghin Delaney, education reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7081. Follow her on Twitter @MeghinDelaney.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 11:45 PM with the headline "Manatee County voters flood supervisor of elections office ahead of primary voting registration deadline ."