Early voters turning out

ST. PETERSBURG -- Early voting ended Saturday for Tuesday's presidential preference primary, but that didn't stop those wanting to participate in the democratic process from showing up today.

According to Nancy Whitlock, communications director with the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office, more than 31,000 absentee ballots have been turned in as of today. But dozens of people showed up at the three county election offices, wanting to vote electronically.

State law required early voting to conclude Saturday.

Instead, Whitlock said they were given absentee ballots, which they could turn in today or return by the time polls close Tuesday.

"We have had a pretty steady flow of people,'' she said.

Initial numbers show the number of Pinellas County voters is up significantly compared to the two previous presidential preferance primaries.

In 2004, when there was only a Democratic primary, and 14 city elections, 4,341 ballots were returned. In 2000, when both major parties had candidates and 15 cities held elections, 7,501 ballots were returned.

In addition to the presidential primary on Tuesday, voters will also be asked whether to add another $25,000 to the homestead exemption, make Save Our Homes portable, cap property assessment increases for non-homesteaded proeprty and create a new $25,000 property exemption for some business equipment and mobile home property.

Pinellas County voters also will be asked whether to continue for four years a one-half mill property tax for the schools that is used for teacher compensation, reading initiatives, visual arts, performing arts and technology.

The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

For more information, contact the elections office at (727) 464-6108 or visit http://www.voterfocus.com/hosting/pinellas/index.php?id=2.

-- Melanie Ave, Times Staff Writer