Early voting under way in Florida

Early voting is under way in Florida.

More than thirty counties started early voting Monday, including several large counties such as Duval, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Orange and Palm Beach. Other counties start in the coming week.

In central Florida, voters can cast ballots in Lake, Orange, and Seminole Counties.

At the Lake Mary Library—a Seminole County early voting location— a steady stream of voters passed through mid-morning.

Vince Militello of Heathrow dropped off his mail-in ballot.

He said he likes voting early because “It just avoids the lines and I’m anxious to vote.   I want to see the state turn blue so I’m anxious to get my vote in as soon as possible.”

Caroline Brach of Lake Mary said she also thinks voters are eager to cast their ballots.  

“I think  we’re all a little nervous about how it’s going to go. But I’ve done what I can, I’m leaving it up to God I’m done!” Brach said. 

Early voting will also be available for the first time on several college campuses. The administration of Gov. Rick Scott contended campus buildings could not be used for early voting, but that decision was challenged in federal court.

Voters can cast ballots at any early voting location in the county where they’re registered as long as the have a photo and signature ID.

Dates and hours of operation vary from county to county. Election Day is Nov. 6th.

Florida voters will be choosing a new governor between Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and former U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis.

Outgoing Gov. Rick Scott is challenging U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in a race for U.S. Senate that could determine control of the U.S. Senate. Voters will also be asked to weigh on several proposed constitutional amendments.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.