Crist Visits South Florida Voters, Volunteers On Campaign Trail

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Former Governor and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Crist made stops in South Florida on Friday.

Crist spoke with voters and volunteers in Deerfield Beach, Overtown, and Miami Gardens for various events including rallies and canvasses.

"He's getting out here. He's talking to the community. Most people, they do it but they're not really into it but he's out here and he's getting involved," said voter Chykeria Ferguson.

Residents who had been waiting for Crist in Overtown said it's important to voice your opinion at the polls.

"That's your right. That's a right you got but a lot of people don't do it," said voter Ellis Prince.

As for those who don't vote, he said, "They just have to take whatever they get. When you vote you have a voice. When you don't vote, you don't have no voice."

CLICK HERE To Watch Maggie Newland's Report 

Voters came with questions about how Crist could help their neighborhoods.

"What do you think you can do for community like Miami Gardens that I live in?" Angela Lewis asked the candidate. "Invest in our schools first," responded Crist,"Raise minimum wage, that's very important.

Crist focused on several predominantly black communities in his effort to energize voters.

According to Crist's campaign, 43 percent of black voters turned out for the 2010 gubernatorial election statewide which was a race that current governor, Rick Scott won.

Many members of the black community traditionally vote Democrat and with current polls showing the governor's race in a dead heat, Crist needs to get voters to the polls.

This year in South Florida there are 243,732 registered Black voters in Broward and 239,152  in Miami-Dade, according to both counties' departments of elections.

Many of those who attended Crist's events on Friday had already cast their ballot. Others still planned to vote early or on Election Day.

Both sides have also called on big names to support them this weekend in including former President Bill Clinton and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Governor Rick Scott also toured South Florida Friday.

READ MORE: Scott's Bus Tour Continues With Big Name Politicians

Elections are set for November 4th. For those interested in early voting, click here for Miami-Dade locations or click here for locations in Broward.

READ: Crist, Scott Get Big Name Support This Weekend From Clinton, Christie

Elections are set for November 4th. For those interested in early voting, click here for Miami-Dade locations or click here for locations in Broward.

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