Opinion

Only days remain before the 2012 General Election Day (next Tuesday) but there is a mad push for voters to exercise their right to vote early to save time and avoid any last-minute distractions or mishaps, especially here in Florida.

The deadline to vote early is this Saturday, Nov. 3 at local libraries, community centers and election offices. For the most part, the hours at those “Early Voting Centers” in Orange County are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Everybody and their momma plan to vote during this historic election and that is good. Every U.S. citizen who wants to vote, should be able to vote. It’s estimated that more people than those who voted in the 2008 General Election will vote in the upcoming General Election in which the country selects or re-elects its president. This mad push comes in light of recent changes to Florida’s election laws, many of which are being challenged in court.

In addition to voting early (either by electronic voting booth or completed absentee ballot) at the designated locations, you can turn in your completed absentee ballot directly to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office on Sunday, Nov. 4.

Another option is to mail your absentee ballot early enough so that it arrives to the elections office by 7 p.m. next Tuesday, General Election Day. It would have to be mailed by Saturday. Postmarks do not count. It has to be there by 7 p.m. on Election Day. So, I would not count on that option, if I were you.

This election is that important to make the sacrifice and take the absentee ballot to one of the early voting centers.

Let’s go…vote early.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the supervisor of elections office: (407) 836-2070. The elections office is located at: 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806

© Orlando Community News, 2012