After months of candidates operating campaigns, messages being spread across communities and country, and polling precincts preparing, the polarizing 2024 General Election is merely days away.

The Early Voting period which started Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 2 has seen a massive turnout of voters before Election Day on Nov. 5, as more than half of Lee County’s registered voters have already submitted a ballot. There are 12 locations throughout the county where individuals can vote, as well as drop off their vote-by-mail ballot. Locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday.

On Tuesday, election day, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle said the number of ballots are already coming in “record numbers.”

“We are seeing a record number of people showing up to vote and expect it to continue through Election Day,” Doyle stated. “I encourage you to consider casting your vote early to avoid the rush on Election Day.”

As of Thursday afternoon, a total of 280,951 votes had been counted by the Elections Office — 151,408 Vote-By-Mail, and 129,328 in Early Voting (215 provisional). Those numbers equate to a 57.29% voter turnout.

“It tells us voters do not want to wait until election day to vote,” Doyle said on what the high-number so far means.

Doyle said some misinformation on social media was spread concerning the functionality of the Express Vote voting machines, but that it was quickly debunked. Doyle said using the Express Vote is quick, easy and secure, and that if a voter encounters an issue, they should seek immediate assistance from a poll worker.

Doyle added that voters are encouraged to review and mark their sample ballot before going to the polls. There is a two-page ballot containing six amendments, and knowing what they want to vote for ahead of time can save individuals a significant amount of time at the polls.

He also reminded voters to bring a valid photo ID with their signature.

Taking advantage of the Early Voting period and not waiting for Election Day itself could prove to be a benefit to voters.

“One primary reason is that unforeseen circumstances may arise that could prevent a voter from going to the polls on election day,” Doyle said. “Voting early provides voters greater flexibility for when and where they vote.”

Doyle added with new technology and an efficient staff, write-in ballots will not slow down tabulating results of the election.

“No, we do not expect that, and it hasn’t been an issue in the past,” he said. “However, an update to the voting system now automates the process of counting write-in votes, making it more efficient.”

Early voting locations include:

• Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library – 921 Southwest 39th Terrace, Cape Coral

• Lee County Elections Cape Coral Branch Office – 1039 Southeast 9th Ave.

• Northwest Regional Library – 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral

• North Fort Myers Recreation Center – 2000 N. Recreation Parkway

• Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers – 4224 Renaissance Preserve Way,, Fort Myers

• Lakes Regional Library – 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers

• Lee County Elections Center – 13180 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers

• Fort Myers Regional Library – 1651 Lee St.

• Lehigh Acres Elections Office – 600 Homestead Road Suite #9, Lehigh Acres

• East County Regional Library – 881 Gunnery Road N., Lehigh Acres

• Estero Recreation Center – 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero

• Lee County Elections Bonita Springs Branch – 25987 S. Tamiami Trail #105

In addition to the hotly contested presidential race highlighted by the Donald Trump/JD Vance and Kamala Harris/Tim Walz faceoff, races and state constitutional amendments on the General Election Ballot in Lee County include:

• City of Cape Coral City Council

District 2 – Laurie Lehmann and Dan Sheppard (incumbent)

District 3 – Derrick Donnell and Deborah Lee McCormick

District 4 – Richard Carr (incumbent) and Jennifer Nelson

District 5 – Joseph Kilraine and Charlie Pease

District 7 – Michael Harper and Rachel Kaduk

Cape Coral City Council races are non-partisan, at-large elections meaning Cape Coral voters may cast a ballot in each race no matter in which district they reside.

• Lee County School Board

District 7- Vanessa Chaviano and Sheridan Chester

The District 7 race is at-large, meaning all Lee County voters may cast a ballot in this race.

• District Superintendent of Schools

Denise Carlin (REP) and Victor Arias (DEM)

• Lee County Sheriff

Carmine Marceno, incumbent (REP) and write-in Michael Hollow

• Board of County Commissioners

District 3 – David Mulicka (REP) and write-in Jake Cataldo

District 5 – Mike Greenwell, incumbent (REP incumbent) and Kizzie Fowler (DEM)

Lee County Commission races are at-large elections meaning Lee County voters may cast a ballot in each race no matter the district in which they reside.

• Lee Memorial Health System Board of Directors

District 5 – Daniel Alder, Kathy Bridge-Lines and Joseph R. Gambino

• U.S. Senate/strong>