Florida held its primary elections on August 20th. A total of 3,029,269 registered voters cast their ballots, or 22.39 percent of eligible voters, 950,333 of whom voted on election day. The county with the highest voter turnout was Taylor County (58.8 percent) and the lowest turnout was in Pasco County (15.88 percent).
Several candidates won their elections without any challengers in the primary or general elections. Congratulations to Congresswoman Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Miramar), incumbent Representatives Yvonne Hinson (D-Gainesville), Tae Edmonds (D-West Palm Beach), Kelly Skidmore (D-Delray Beach), Christine Hunschofsky (D-Coconut Creek), Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs), Lisa Dunkley (D-Lauderhill), Hilary Cassel (D-Hollywood), Felicia Robinson (D-Miami Gardens), and Dotie Joseph (D-North Miami). Former House members who won their election to the Florida Senate include Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando), and Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach), who won a special election in Senate District 24 replacing Bobby Powell, who resigned early.
Incumbent candidates that won their primary election on August 20th and do not face a general election challenger include Representatives Bruce Antone (D-Orlando), Rita Harris (D-Orlando), Daryl Campbell (D-Fort Lauderdale), Fabian Basabe (R-Miami) and Ashley Gantt (D-Miami). Newcomers Mitch Rosenwald (D-Oakland Park) and Wallace Aristide (D-Miami) won their elections to the House of Representatives.
There were many close local elections. Recounts occur when a candidate is defeated by 0.5 percent or less of the votes cast in the unofficial results. Manual recounts of overvotes or undervotes happen where a candidate is defeated by 0.25 or less of the votes cast after an automatic recount is done. Talk about making your vote count! In fact, your local supervisor of election can help you get ready for the general election on November 5th. Register to vote by October 7th. Request a ballot by mail no later than October 24th. Ensure your signature is updated before the general election.