Election 2012 GOP has Lead in Florida Early Voter Turnout

BRADENTON – Over 550,000 Floridians have already voted, while another 1.8 million still have absentee ballots. Republicans have turned out 5 percent more voters so far, which nearly mirrors their lead in requested ballots. 16 percent of early votes were cast by Floridians who are not affiliated with a party.

It's important to remember that the numbers only reflect the registration of early voters and does not account for any who may have not voted with their party. Either way, it seems the NPA votes (approximately triple the difference between the parties) will be instrumental, while it will remain crucial for Democrats to turn out the vote on election day, if they are going to be successful.

Neighboring counties have had higher early voting participation than Manatee. Pinellas County leads the state in early votes cast, while Sarasota is number 5. Manatee did not make the top 15. Manatee County's current breakdown of active registered voters is: Republicans: 89,537; Democrats: 67,459; Others: 51,343.