Early voting coming to a close in SWFL; voters urged to participate before Election Day

Early voting is coming to a close in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

Plenty of people are taking advantage of it, trying to avoid the lines come Election Day Tuesday.

Poll workers we spoke to Friday said the last few days of early voting were running smoothly. They urge voters to vote now instead of being part of the last-minute crunch expected Election Day.

“I fought for it. I served in the United States Marine Corp,” veteran Brent Forrey said. “I believe all of our Bill of Rights are important, especially in this election.”

Brent and Linda Forrey got in line Friday before the doors to early voting opened in Lee County. They were not alone.

“There was 133 people ahead of us,” Linda said. “I counted as I was walking.”

They came with a plan. No campaign signs along the way were going to change their minds. They did have one worry.

“I think there’s some people that don’t take the time to decide on what is important, and therefore, they’re only getting half of the information,” Linda said.

Rhiannon Tackett also went to early voting sure of who earned her vote.

“Because it’s in my heart, and I have strong beliefs,” Tackett said. “So when I go with them, I go with them.”

The people we spoke to might not agree who should be the next president or member of Congress, but they do agree early voting is better than waiting in Election Day lines.

“It was fine. We got here about 20 minutes before 10,” Linda said. “We’re leaving here at 10:30, and that’s not too bad.”

Early voting ends Saturday in Lee and Collier counties and Sunday in Charlotte County.

“Fast and speedy, the inside system is amazing,” Tackett said. “It is quick, easy, in and out. There’s directions. Everybody listens, and it’s just like so smooth.”