Tommy Doyle

The 2022 General Election was an historical election unlike any other for Lee County.

Before Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County, our office was ready to conduct the Nov. 8 General Election. Early Voting and Election Day voting locations were secured and prepared to be staffed with sufficient coverage. Our dedicated staff and poll workers were available and ready to serve the citizens of Lee County.

The devastation of Ian in Lee County generated uncertainty around the availability of Election Day voting sites and sufficient poll workers to staff those sites. It significantly impacted our ability to conduct the election in the manner to which voters are typically accustomed.

My team and I are incredibly thankful for your patience, support and understanding throughout this election cycle, especially on Election Day as you waited in line.

The aftermath of a near Category 5 hurricane did not deter voters from making their voices heard.

Lee County had a 53 percent voter turnout, an astounding number considering the challenges Ian presented to our office and many voters in Lee County. This number is also consistent with voter turnout in counties across Florida.

Thank you for voting in this election, whether by mail, in person during Early Voting or on Election Day.

I am grateful to my staff, election support staff, voting location coordinators and our dedicated poll workers. Our office conducted this election under emergency conditions, yet we remained committed to ensuring the voters could cast their votes safely and securely. We look forward to the next election and serving the voters of Lee County.

Tommy Doyle is the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, visit https://www.lee.vote/.