Library hosts voter registration event
Slowly, but surely, residents trickled into the North Fort Myers Regional Library on a stormy afternoon. While many of them were there to use the computers or to check out a book, others came to register to vote or pick up a mail-in ballot.
Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day, and events were held in seven locations throughout Lee County to encourage people to register for the right and privilege to choose who they want to represent them.
Sharon Harrington, supervisor of elections, said the promotion went well although much of the registration process can now be done online.
“Back in the day we would get hundreds for these events because it was the only way to get registered. Now, with it being online, we don’t get as many, but we still had a successful day,” Harrington said. “Any time we can take the voting office to the public is a good day.”
Teri Triani, a volunteer for the Supervisor of Elections office, was there to help people through the process of not only registration for new voters, but also for updates, party affiliation and those who want to turn in their ballots by mail.
“I’ve had a pretty good turnout today. We had three people sign up for ballots by mail because they don’t want to wait at the polls, two new voters signed up and we had a few updates,” Triani said. “That’s pretty good for the amount of time I’ve been here.”
Harrington said that most people came to request mail ballots. There were 22 brand-new voters, 20 updates and 55 requests for ballots by mail.
“We’re seeing a big switch to mail ballots throughout the state. People are being cautious after the 2012 election so they don’t run into the problem,” Harrington said.
As this is a local election year, choosing a candidate is important as they are the ones who have the most impact on the local population.
However, this is a light election year, with only three Cape Coral city council seats and one seat in Fort Myers up for grabs.
Triani said this is more for next year, when the presidential and congressional elections will be held.
“We only have two elections this year. So really, the important elections are coming up in 2016. The first presidential primary is coming up on March 15, the congressional primary is coming Aug. 30, and the general election is Nov. 8,” Triani said. “People want to be ready, especially if they want their ballots by mail.”
While there are many who want to avoid waiting in line for hours to cast their vote, as had happened in 2012, there are still some, Triani said, who still enjoy the process of going to the polls and casting in person.
“People are concerned and they like to go to the polls, see their neighbors and cast their ballot in person. It’s a personal choice,” Triani said.
For those who didn’t register Tuesday, Triani said the elections office goes all over Lee County to assist those who have a desire to vote.
“We go all over to facilities and register people and answer any questions they have on the procedure,” Triani said. “We can’t get into particulars on candidates.”
For more information, go to the elections website at www.leeelections.com.