Candidates Make Last-Minute Push For Primary Votes
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Democratic gubernatorial candidates spent most of the day Monday soliciting votes ahead of Tuesday's primary election.
Both Charlie Crist and Nan Rich took time Monday evening to call potential voters.
"I got your vote, you got my heart," Crist told a voter named Michael.
Watch Lauren Pastrana's report, click here.
Crist is facing off against Sen. Nan Rich in the Democratic gubernatorial race, though he declined an opportunity to debate the Weston resident.
Instead, Crist's focus has been on incumbent Governor Rick Scott from the get-go.
"Rick Scott's got $100 million," Crist told CBS4's Lauren Pastrana. "So we've had to focus on that. But it's not about money it's about people."
Governor Scott is running against Yinka Abosede Adeshina and Elizabeth Cuevas-Neunder in the Republican primary race for governor.
He didn't make any public appearances Monday, but his supporters campaigned on his behalf just outside Crist's office.
"We're trying to send the message that Gov. Scott is also engaged in the area and it's very important we get him reelected," State Rep. George Moraitis said.
There are several congressional races on the ballot, along with contests for county commission, school board and the courts.
In total, more than 29,000 people voted early in Miami Dade. Another 19,000 cast ballots ahead of time in Broward.
That's where both Nan Rich and Charlie Crist will await the results Tuesday night.
"I understand why he's here, because there's so many Democratic voters in Broward," Nan Rich said.
Poll workers were busy Monday making sure all the equipment was up and running.
"Today actually is all about preparing for a seamless and successful Election Day opening," said Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Penelope Townsley.
Townsley is expecting about 20 percent of registered voters to cast their ballots.
Registered Democrats and Republicans can make their choice in the primary race for governor. Some county commission, school board, and judges races are also on the ballot.
"Right now, we're at about nine percent between early voting and absentee," she added.
"I think it's very important to vote in the primary because it's something women fought for years and years and years," said voter Dr. Norma Williamson.
Williamson will make sure her voice is heard; she says voting in the primary is a painless process.
"You don't have to stand in long lines," Williamson said.
Elections officials say lines shouldn't be a problem and don't want voters to be deterred by memories of 2012.
"The last presidential election, this is one of the polls where we had the lines wrapped around the block," said Roy Griffin, a poll worker.
"When you talk about the 2012 election and the primary there really isn't any comparison," added Townsley. "You think about a 12-page ballot in comparison to a one-page ballot, you shorten early voting hours and this season we offered more early voting hours than we've ever offered."
New machines should speed up voter check-in too.
"The new machine basically allows the voter if they have a picture id or photo id to be able to give it to one of the election personnel," said Griffin. "We swipe it so we can verify the information and make the lines move a whole lot faster.
If there are any issues, Townsley says she's ready for them.
"I like to say we have contingencies for our contingencies," said Townsley. "I have over 100 technical troubleshooters supply troubleshooters administrative troubleshooters in the field. They are our eyes and ears and we're prepared to handle whatever comes up."
"What are you expecting for tomorrow?" asked CBS4's Maggie Newland. "Smooth sailing voters will get in and out quickly cast their vote no problems," Griffin replied.
Before you head out to the polls, elections officials suggest you look at a sample ballot.
Click here for more information on Miami-Dade County elections.
Click here for more information on Broward County elections.
Click here for more information on Monroe County elections.
Watch Maggie Newland's report, click here.
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