Florida election live updates: Frost projected to win in House District 10

It’s election day in Florida and across the country. Polls have closed in Central Florida but are open in Florida’s panhandle until 8 p.m.

Be sure to follow the live results here.

Last-minute voter gets it done before polls close | 7:55 p.m.

Voters were rushing to cast their ballots before the 7 p.m. close at Precinct 306 at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Azalea Park.

At 6:48 p.m. Jeffrey Adkins walked out of the precinct after doing his civic duty.

The 70-year-old Orange County resident is president of Adkins Orchids Inc.  When asked about the penny sales tax increase for transportation, he said he was debating on his decision even while looking at the ballot..

“I was torn on that because it’s like, well, I don’t really want to pay another 1 percent tax increase and I feel that the big money theme parks we have here should foot a lot of the bill,” Adkins said, blaming most of Central Florida’s traffic congestion on the parks.

“Most of the traffic in this city is because of them,’’ Adkins said. “Every time I sit in traffic on I-4 through that section, no matter what time it is, it’s like a nightmare there,” Adkins said.

Today, Adkins said he voted for the Democratic candidate for governor, Charlie Crist.

- Marian Summerall, Special to Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

We need more voting education, poll worker in Celebration says | 7:51 p.m.

Just ten minutes before the polls closed at Celebration Heritage Hall in Osceola County, Denis Dowd witnessed a man get turned away because he was at the wrong polling station. As the man rushed to his car to try to make it to his registered polling place, Dowd let out a long sigh and said, “This is why you can’t wait last minute.”

Dowd, a recurring poll worker who has lived in Celebration for 15 years, said he was surprised to see a large number of people confused about voting.

During his shift that morning, between 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., he said there were at least 20 people sent somewhere else.

”I keep thinking there needs to be a way to educate people earlier than just two weeks before an election,” he said. “But what I was happy to see is the number of young people who voted.”

In addition to this year’s midterm election, Dowd was a poll worker during the August primaries and during the 2020 election.

”This year, there was much more [voters] than expected.”

- Amanda Rabines

Soto, Frost and Webster projected to win in congressional races | 7:35 p.m.

Democrat Maxwell Frost is projected to win the District 10 congressional seat, which would make him the first member of Gen Z to be elected to Congress.

Darren Soto is also projected to win District 9, while Daniel Webster is projected to win District 11.

Clermont residents rush to the polls to vote before 7 p.m. | 7:26 p.m.

Inside the Clermont City Center, Tuesday’s busy pace of voters surprised even longtime community members.

David Colby, president of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, said he was shocked at the turnout. After working in the City Center building for 13 years, he explained that this voting year was very different.

“Today feels like the busiest day I’ve ever seen,” Colby said. “I didn’t expect so many, especially for a midterm, but it’s important.”

Even though Colby was working at his offices inside the City Center, he took the time to vote. Colby explained that this election, despite being only the midterms, equals any other election in importance. “I am very focused on local issues and getting the best people to represent us,” he said.

Local schoolteacher Music Brunetto, 34, spoke about the importance of voting locally. “Women’s rights and issues within education are a big part of why I’m here today,” Brunetto said.

Despite coming from work, Brunetto made sure to get to the polls in time to vote.

“I had to make sure my opinion was voiced,” Brunetto said.

- Sara Quinby, Special to Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

Uncle Sam comes to Oviedo precinct to vote for the environment | 7:14 p.m.

When Todd Cecil, 51, walked out of the polls at 4:12 p.m. in Precinct 076 at Center Lake Park in Oviedo, everyone stared at the big Uncle Sam hat on his head.

“What’s more patriotic than voting and Uncle Sam?” asked Cecil.

Cecil, of Oviedo, paired his hat with a red patriotic shirt. When he isn’t dressed up as Uncle Sam, Cecil is a vendor for Flowers Baking Co., a prep cook at Steak ‘n Shake, and a deli worker at Publix.

One of Cecil’s biggest concerns coming into the election was Seminole County’s encroachment on the rural boundary that protects wildlife from urbanized areas.

He reminisced on his earlier walk with his dog when he passed by what he thought was a drained pond in Alafaya Woods. He said all kinds of birds were enjoying the low-level water left in the pond, and he could hear the sandhill cranes whooping it up.

“Nature is finding a way, but you can’t keep building everywhere,” said Cecil.

- Andrea Charur, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson student

Gubernatorial race draws Orange County voters even in pre-hurricane conditions | 7:08 p.m.

At City of Orlando Wastewater offices on L.B. McLeod Road in Orange County, Precinct 614 voter Matt Jacoby, a 34-year-old working in Restaurant Management in Southwest Orlando made his way to the voting line.

One of the main issues on the ballot was for the governor’s race.

“I don’t like the direction the state has been going, especially after the 2020 pandemic, and I want to see just a change in leadership. That’s not a party loyalty thing or anything like that,” Jacoby said. “I was very kind of pleasantly surprised by how Ron DeSantis turned out after the 2018 election, but there was a strong pivot after 2020, and I want leadership that is more focused on the citizens of Florida as opposed to what just looks good on a political campaign.”

One of the other issues on the ballot for anyone in Orange county was about a sales tax increase in order to fund public transportation in the area.

“I’m not really in support of it. I’ve seen billions of dollars of Florida tax dollars get sucked into projects that go nowhere, like Florida Light Rail, for example,” Jacoby said. “Our transportation isn’t great, but it clearly isn’t being handled in a way that it could be either.”

When it comes to time spent at the polls, Precinct 614 has made sure to help the process flow smoothly for voters.

“I’ve never had an issue. Today is the longest I’ve ever had to wait and it was about… 90 seconds. Very quick, very nice, very easy,” Jacoby said. “Everyone was pleasant. Everything seemed very apolitical.”

Even with Hurricane Nicole on target to strike Florida this week, the polls still drew voters.

“It’s our civic duty to vote in every election,” Jacoby said. “I’m a Floridian. Anything below a category four I’m not even blinking at.”

- Kailyn Pederquist, Special to the Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson student

Young couple votes for the first time together in Orange County | 7:07 p.m.

The rain didn’t stop voters from piling into Christ the King Episcopal Church at Precinct 306 in Azalea Park about an hour before the polls closed.

Kaitlyn Almaraz, and her husband Manuel Marquez, came out of the precinct together at 5:56 p.m. It was their first time voting together as a married couple.

Marquez is a 25-year-old public safety technician. He was anxious when he arrived at the precinct because he did not have his voter card. Moving from Texas to Orlando, it was the new Orange County resident’s first time voting in Florida.

“I was worried that I didn’t have my voter card, but I went in there with my ID, and it was pretty easy,” Marquez said.

Marquez said he was motivated by what he considers to be Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ poor reputation among some voters in Florida and in his former home state of Texas. He said he was ready for DeSantis to leave office.

“Ron DeSantis has a really bad rep,’’ Marquez said. “I’m from Texas and we kind of heard that there because he’s making a ruckus all the way over here.”

Almaraz, 23, said it’s important for young people to utilize their voice and to vote. She is an accountant and Orange County resident.

“At the end of the day if you don’t vote you’re not heard and people always say this is why we still are the way we are. Well, it’s because you don’t go vote,” Almaraz said.

It started to pour outside of the precinct, and the young couple rushed to their vehicle, eager to get out of the rain.

- Marian Summerall, Special to Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

After-work voter surge in Hispanic strongholds of Kissimmee | 6:55 p.m.

Even with rain affecting voter turnout throughout Central Florida on Tuesday, voters poured into the polls at Osceola Heritage Park’s Precinct 2003 – even as their workday ended.

William Mora, a 73-year old retired engineer who lives in Davenport, has been outside the voting center since morning. Mora works with Poder LatinX, which is an organization that is dedicated to making sure the voting process is smooth for everyone, especially those in the Latinx community. Mora weathered the day outside the voting center, asking voters about their voting experience and how it could be improved.

“The turnout today has been pretty good in my opinion. I think more people have started to come out than before because more and more people are being affected by who is in office and they now want to have a say in all of it,” said Mora. “Even with the rain during the day, I am happy with the amount of people we had today, and it will still pick up because people just got out of work around 5 p.m.”

One Kissimmee resident who came to vote just after 5 p.m., was Edwin Cruz. The 54-year-old border protection officer shared his own voting experience.

“It was very smooth, everyone was very kind, helpful, and informative,” he said. “It took not even seven minutes since I parked and walked in to vote and be out.”

Despite rains and a lower turnout earlier in the day, the Osceola Heritage Park saw an increase in voters as the day went on. Cruz also wanted to stress the importance of having many people turn out to vote.

“You have to exercise your right to vote,” said Cruz. “That’s the voice that you can use to express how you feel about what is going on in the community and our country.”

Mora shared that sentiment and also wanted to urge people – even late in the day – to come out and vote.

“Some people have said that they do not think their vote matters or that they think midterm elections are not as important as presidential elections. Those people are wrong,” More said. “We are voting today to determine who will represent us and who will fight for us. It is more important now than ever to use our voice and vote.”

- Ryan Dcruz, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson student

Incumbent Orange County commissioner waits for results and looks to the future | 6:54 p.m.

Orange County District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero was all smiles Tuesday evening, despite spending much of the day visiting polling locations across her south Orlando district. Gomez Cordero, who is seeking re-election, knows how important this election is.

“It’s very important,” Gomez Cordero said. “Four years is not enough to do what you would like as a commissioner.”

She said even though she was elected to a four-year term, it felt like half of that due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There were a lot of things we couldn’t do. We had to reinvent and do things differently. That’s why it’s important to get re-elected. I love to work for the community,” Gomez Cordero said.

If re-elected, housing is the top priority for the commissioner.

“Housing for the community and those with low income. It’s important that we do something for them,” she said.

Regarding the issue of rent stabilization, the incumbent commissioner said that while she supports the idea and the spirit behind the proposed ordinance, even if approved by voters, one year is not enough.

“It’s like a Band-Aid. In order for it to work, it has to be more concrete,” Gomez Cordero said. “I think we have to come up with something more for the people.”

Gomez Cordero supported the 1% transportation system surtax and said it will generate millions of dollars that will benefit everyone, especially the middle class, and provide for a lot of improvements in her district. She also wants to see the bus service in Orange County improved.

“All the buses go to downtown. Instead of just downtown, they need to have additional transfer stations,” she said.

Gomez Cordero will find out if her bid for re-election was successful once the polls close at 7 p.m. and the results are tabulated.

- Chris English, Special to the Orlando Sentinel – UCF Nicholson student

Maxwell Frost and Carlos Guillermo Smith make a campaign stop at UCF

Two high-profile Florida Democrats – Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Carlos Guillermo Smith – walked around the University of Central Florida campus to encourage students to vote Tuesday. The Democratic nominee for Florida’s 10th congressional district and the Florida House of Representatives member spoke to voters under the heavy rain.

“Traditionally, rain is bad news for voter turnout and, specifically, voters of color,” Frost said. “It does worry me a little bit but I’m confident that people are going to turn out despite the rain.”

As some students didn’t know today was Election Day, Frost and Smith told them where and how they can vote. Frost said he hopes more students come out to vote.

“What I find, especially with young folks, is sometimes it’s not on the top of their mind; a lot going on: school, everything else and they just need a reminder,” Frost said. “We haven’t been persuading people to go vote, just reminding them.”

Typically, midterms are known for low turnout and Tuesday didn’t appear to be any different. By late afternoon, Election Day turnout at the UCF precinct has been just over 18%, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website.

Smith said he always has a sense of pride when he comes to his alma mater UCF. He said his main goal is to remind students of issues like expanding the Bright Futures scholarship, student housing affordability and gun bans for college campuses.

“These are things that young people really care about and once they know that candidates like myself and Maxwell Frost are actually running to tackle those issues, then there are more encouraged to participate in this election.”

- Jane Kim, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Teachers’ union makes voice hears in Seminole County | 6:10 p.m.

Judy Ngying, 60, sits outside the polls in Precinct 076 at Center Lake Park in Oviedo holding a campaign sign for Autumn Garick, candidate for Seminole County School Board District 5. With whoever walks by, Ngying is ready to strike up a conversation.

Ngying lives in Volusia County but is a teacher at Lake Howell High School near Winter Park. She is the vice president of the Seminole Education Association, the teachers’ union of Seminole County.

“I think Tallahassee is doing their best to destroy public education, and that’s not just hyperbole,” said Ngying.

Ngying believes that politicians want schools to go private and would rather have corporations run schools rather than elected school boards. She is against a Florida law that prohibits teachers from receiving an increase in salary based on years of experience, while new teachers get paid more to fill up teacher vacancies.

As voter Sherry Abram, 66, walked to and from the polls at about 3:30 p.m., Ngying stopped her to chat. Abrams’ car, with two barking dogs inside, was parked in front of Ngying’s chair.

Abrams, a retired Oviedo resident, said she is concerned about the potential new amendments to the Florida Constitution. She was on the fence about a new law that would allow legislators to pass laws exempting some public workers from property taxes.

“I just paid my taxes on three houses,” said Abrams. “I paid $11,485. Last year, I paid $9,997.”

Abrams also believes that political advertising should be prohibited.

“I think some people get all of their information from political ads and they don’t bother to research,” she said.

- Andrea Charur, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Voting in the in the rain | 5:57 p.m.

Nathan Garner, 30, of Lake Mary, donned an orange raincoat and helped direct traffic in the parking lot of City Church near Sanford and Heathrow during a soggy election day afternoon in Seminole County.

The children’s pastor at the church, Garner said he was helping with both voters and pickup from the church’s elementary school.

“They’ve got after school pick up and then we want to make sure that the voters don’t get lost at the same time,” he said.

Just a few minutes before being interviewed by the Orlando Sentinel it was “pouring down on us,” Garner said.

“It’s got rainbands, and sometimes it’s heavy and then there’s other times where it’s not,” he said.

He said the church was busy for voting.

“My personal precinct is over in Lake Mary and it was not nearly as busy as this one,” Garner said. “We want everybody to get out and vote. ... There’s a lot of good things that happen when you vote and it’s everybody’s right.”

Austin Fuller

Casselberry Democrats vote with abortion rights, privacy in mind | 5:54 p.m.

At Tuskawilla United Methodist Church in Casselberry, voters braved the rain and streamed into Precinct 66 to cast their ballots.

Olivia Fountain, a 34-year-old business owner and Winter Park resident, said she voted primarily to “get DeSantis away from me.”

“I’m a mother of two and I’m married. I own my own business, and I care more about people’s choices and who they’re allowed to marry and what they’re allowed to do with their own body than I will ever care about money,” Fountain said.

Fountain said that she considers herself very liberal and emphasized the importance of showing up to vote to protect families.

Peter Robinson, 21, is a student at Rollins College and a self-proclaimed anti-fascist. Like Fountain, he said that he came to vote because he cares about keeping abortion safe, legal and accessible.

“It’s about time for Democrats to toe the party line too,” he said. “I think we can get a lot more done that way.”

Midterms are the key to do so, and he thinks that they are often forgotten because most people focus only on the presidential election, he said.

“Midterms are always neglected, so I think it’s kind of just that you have to show up for every election, not just every four years,” Robinson said. “Republicans are trying to take away freedoms and liberties, and I’m a believer in those.”

Caroline Brauchler, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School Student

Hurricanes in Florida impact Florida plumber’s ballot | 5:32 p.m.

With Tropical Storm Nicole inching towards Florida, heavy rainfall met the voters at precinct 306 at Christ the King Episcopal Church in the Azalea Park area of east Orlando.

Nantaya Inthasane walked out of the precinct at 3:34 p.m. just when the rain started to lighten up. The 30-year-old registered to vote in Orange County after the last midterm election four years ago. The plumber got off work early and came to the precinct in his work clothes.

When Hurricane Ian tore through Fort Myers six weeks ago, Inthasane said that Ron DeSantis provided the aid that his family needed. Inthasane voted for Ron DeSantis today because of the support he saw Ron DeSantis allocate for Florida residents.

“I think he’s done a lot of good things especially after the hurricane my parents were affected pretty bad down over in the Fort Myers area, he basically was a big part in getting the island that they live on back to normal,” he said.

Inthasane commented that a constitutional amendment on the ballot confused him. He said that he had to reread the initiative and analyze it thoroughly. Inthasane felt that his confusion was important to share to the public eye.

“The way they worded one of the initiatives kind of confused me, something about prohibiting assessing improvements for home because of flood damage,” he said.

The initiative Inthasane referred to was Amendment One of the State Constitution. If approved, Amendment One dictates that people who live in flood zones and make improvements to safeguard their property from high waters should not have to pay taxes on those improvements. make property improvements to protect the home from floods would not get taxed. As a plumber and Florida resident, Inthasane wanted clarity on this Amendment.

Marian Summerall, Special to Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School Student

Casselberry voters weigh candidate choice over party affiliation | 5:30 p.m.

Some voters in Casselberry said it’s not the political party that matters—it’s the candidate.

Jean Gadoury, a 71-year-old retiree, has voted since she was 18. This Election Day, she stood outside in the rain after voting at the Faith Assembly of God Red Bug Lake Campus. While Gadoury is a registered Democrat, she said she voted for the Republican gubernatorial candidate on a moral and ethical basis.

“I think Ron DeSantis is someone that’s going to represent us in a proper manner,” Gadoury said. “It is important to me to vote for the person, the human being and what they stand for. Party, to me, is irrelevant.”

Michael Solis, a 32-year-old production scheduler for a medical device company, said he will “vote blue no matter who,’’ but that wasn’t always the case. Solis used to be a registered Republican.

“Being a Republican was more of a strategy thing because I do mostly align with Democrats, so it was more so that I could vote for the Republican [in primaries] that I thought most aligned with my ideals,” Solis said.

Solis said he hopes that by electing Democratic candidates, the state of Florida may implement policy that he favors in regard to abortion rights.

“With Roe v. Wade overturned … it kind of leaves the power up to the states. With more blue in the state we could possibly see our rights and women’s rights being protected,” Solis said.

Caroline Brauchler, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School Student

Oviedo registered Republican votes Democrat for the first time | 5:17 p.m.

Neil Clayton, 74, is a small-business owner who immigrated to America from the United Kingdom 43 years ago and has voted Republican in every election until this one. He said that although this is a midterm and it may not seem as important as a presidential election, Americans have an obligation to make their voices heard in every election.

“I believe we need to take an interest in what is going on. I’m appalled at the way America is being run. … America’s going to the dogs, and we need to do something about it,” Clayton said. “I’m a Republican, I’ve never voted Democrat in my life. I just did. That’s what I think is going on with the Republican Party.”

His daughter, Grace, 25, co-owns the maintenance business with her father, said she is voting with not only their small business in mind but also with their community in mind as well, especially with the impact of the pandemic and Hurricane Ian on Seminole County. She said she’s also motivated by businesses lost to eminent domain.

“Both I and my family think voting is very important,’’ Grace Clayton said, “especially with the governor we currently have, with how politicized everything has become, even down to our soil and water conservation on the ballot this time.’’

Alexandra Sullivan, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Maxwell Frost Campaigns at Renaissance Senior Center with Puerto Rican Band

As voters trickled into the Renaissance Senior Center, they were greeted by a lively

Puerto Rican band with dancers waving signs and singing.

Among the group was Democratic congressional candidate Maxwell Frost, swaying to the music.

“Having that cultural joy is really important to this because politics can be scary, right?” Frost said. “And it can really bring down your spirits but music helps tie it all together, I think.”

Frost campaigned with fellow Democratic candidate Johanna Lopez, an Orange County School Board member running for the Florida House of Representatives.

Frost is running in Florida’s 10th congressional district. If elected, Frost could be the first Gen Z member of congress. According to his campaign website, he plans to focus on jobs, rent stabiliation and green technologies, and work to expand Medicare coverage for all.

“I want to fight for you so you have the freedoms that you deserve, and for me, true freedom is about being able to start your small business and get into the art that you want to do, do what you want to do without having to worry about paying for healthcare, housing, the food on your table, the medicine that you need,” Frost said. “That’s true freedom to me.”

Band member Chris Flores, 39, said he moved to Florida from Puerto Rico in 2015. He said Lopez, a former schoolteacher, had previously taught another band member and brought them together to play on election day.

Although he could not vote, he said he wanted the band to bring culture to people, and connect them to the music’s deep Puerto Rican roots.

Frost said he hoped to connect with Latino voters and encourage them to cast their ballot by making their voting experience exciting.

“It’s for the people coming in here but it’s also so we can post about it, so people can know that people should come here to vote,” Frost said. “There’s no long line, people can get it out of the way and make sure that their voice is heard.”

As of early afternoon, the Renaissance Center has seen a 34.51% voter turnout.

- Abigail Rudolph, Special to the Orlando Sentinel – UCF Nicholson School student

Moms in Clermont model lessons in citizenship for their children | 4:36 p.m.

A couple of moms with their children skipping behind them entered Precinct 155 ready to vote.

Kim Dougherty, 43, is a stay-at-home mom who also homeschools her children. Despite the hectic schedule of caring for her children, Dougherty made sure to make time to vote.

“The times we find ourselves in now, it is vital we go out and vote,” Dougherty said.

Katelyn Miller, 32, brought her son, Everett, on Election Day. Growing up in a politically active family, she needed to ensure she raised her son the same way. They were overjoyed as they looked at a mural of pictures in Clermont City Center after Miller finished voting.

“Every election is very important to me,’’ Miller said. “I grew up in a political household. It’s not only important on the national level but also at the state and local level.”

Before Doughtery left she made sure to add one last comment: “It’s fundamental to our freedom. You have to have your voice represented.”

- Sara Quinby, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson student

Young Kissimmee business owner shows up to support DeSantis | 4:17 p.m.

At Precinct 2003 at Osceola Heritage Park, Nicholas Loperna was excited to vote and show support for Gov. Ron DeSantis. But one thing that didn’t excite him was not seeing many other people at the polls to vote.

Loperna, a Kissimmee business owner, said he came out specifically to support DeSantis.

“I used to be a liberal but now I am more of a moderate conservative,’’ Loperna said. “DeSantis changed my perspective on Republicans, or at least some of them, because not everyone is good. I think his administration did a good job with opening back up during and after Covid.”

Loperna, 26, also praised DeSantis’ leadership during Hurricane Ian in September.

“He had the sandbags out here for the hurricane and had enough for everyone,” Loperna said.

Loperna said he was disappointed he did not see many people his age coming out to vote at his precinct.

“A lot of people my age don’t come out to vote but it does mean something. I wish more of my friends would have come out to vote with me,” he said.

Loperna said he has voted in every election since he turned 18. He also said the voting process went smoothly at his precinct.

“If we all stay educated and vote, then our votes will matter. We are stronger in numbers when we all go out and vote,” Loperna said.

- Ryan Dcruz, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson student

Clermont voters look back on sacrifices of others as they cast ballots | 4:09 p.m.

Voters from historically marginalized communities in Clermont looked back on the sacrifices their ancestors gave to vote with appreciation as their arrived to cast their own ballots on Election Day.

Precinct 155 at the Clermont City Center had slow traffic throughout the day. Around 3 p.m., Tim Murray, 68, arrived at the polling place. Murray has served the past two years as Clermont’s first elected African American mayor. Residents appeared excited to see him and he was happy to see so many politically active residents show up to vote.

“I always felt proud to be able to vote. Being a Black man, we were once denied that right to vote,” he said. “So to have that right to vote, I take it very seriously because my ancestors gave a lot of blood, sweat and tears to give me that right.”

Another Clermont resident seconded the importance for both younger voters and voters from historically marginalized communities to be active. Jay Phillips, 22, defied pouring rain to cast his ballot. He emphasized the importance of voting as a young Black voter.

“There are things that are going on in our society that it is important to make your voice heard. I don’t see a lot of young people doing that and that leaves the older generation to make an impact instead of us,” said Phillips.

Murray said he prioritizes issues including affordable housing, increased public transportation and safety. And he said he urges everyone to vote whatever their political views.

“I don’t think I’ve missed any election yet. I just try to encourage everybody to get out and vote,” he said.

- Sara Quinby – Special to the Orlando Sentinel. UCF Nicholson School student

Access to health care, support for transgender son bring Port Orange woman to the polls | 4:02 p.m.

Veterinary receptionist Cindy Ronning said she came to Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange to vote today with one thing in mind: her family.

As the mother of a transgender child, Ronning, 55, said she could not in good conscience vote for Ron DeSantis.

“I detest Ron DeSantis and wanted to vote against him,” Ronning said. “In my opinion, DeSantis is out to destroy my son’s community and has put up so many roadblocks for him, so that’s why I came out to vote today.”

Ronning said her son also has an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis and has had much difficulty receiving medical care in Florida since he is transgender. She also said her mother died at 67 and an adopted son died at 38 and she believes their deaths were due to a lack of access to proper health care.

“People should not be dying because they cannot afford medication and that’s what happens,” Ronning said. “We need to fix it.”

She said with all the issues on the ballot, she chooses to prioritize those issues and candidates that affect her family. Focusing on too many of the issues she said makes her confused.

“I’m just a middle-aged woman trying to get through life,” Ronning said. “I have to figure what is best for my family, and Ron DeSantis is not the best for my family.”

- Emily Paul, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Here comes the rain - but Orange County voters still show up to vote | 3:45 p.m.

Intermittent rain showers didn’t slow things down at Meadow Woods Recreation Center, home to precincts 426 and 427, as voters continued to stream into the south Orlando polling location.

John Frank, 44, is one of those who wasn’t deterred by the weather. Frank said there were many reasons why he wanted to make sure his vote counted today.

“The big issue locally was the sales tax. With the current rate of inflation, it doesn’t make any sense to raise taxes right now,” Frank said.

According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website, 278,000 people or just over 31% of Orange County’s voters are registered with no party affiliation. While he usually votes for independent candidates, Frank said he did things differently this Election Day.

“I voted straight Republican this time,’’ he said, calling Democratic policies “racist.’’

Outside the recreation center, a party atmosphere prevailed in the parking lot, as volunteers for Orange County District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero drove through the area in a cargo van wrapped in colorful signage, blasting out music by Ricky Martin.

Mario Nevarez, 49, an economic development counselor hung out the passenger side window of the van holding a large flag as it billowed in the wind.

“Our community needs housing and better hourly pay. She [Gomez Cordero] can be our voice,” Nevarez said.

The commissioner’s husband, Henry Cordero, 58, was behind the wheel of the party van. He said they’ve had fun driving and singing in the rain.

“This is a great day for all Americans to celebrate,” Cordero said.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather, as of 3:10 p.m. both precincts 426 and 427 have seen just over 30% voter turnout.

- Chris English, Special to the Orlando Sentinel – UCF Nicholson student

Voter turnout in Seminole is ‘a little lower’ than previous years | 3:41 p.m.

In Seminole County, election day turnout was at nearly 43,000 people around 3:30 p.m.

The county started the day with about 32% of its voters having cast ballots early or by mail, said Seminole County Supervisor of Elections spokesman Kyndle Cobb. He said around 3 p.m. total turnout was at about 45%, which was “a little lower” than prior years.

“We’ve seen with early voting that turnout is just a little bit lower this year,” Cobb said. “It could be the ballot. It could be the candidates on the ballot. It could be burnout. People have a lot of other things on their mind right now. Some of them are still getting through the hurricane and then one more coming. There could be a myriad of reasons (for lower turnout).”

He hoped Tuesday’s rainy weather wasn’t dampening the vote.

“The election’s always got to go on, but that’s why we offer 14 days of early voting and however many days of vote by mail so that you give voters every opportunity they can to cast their ballot,” Cobb said.

Mable Wesley, 82, of Sanford, said she dropped off her mail-in-ballot on Tuesday at the Supervisor of Elections office.

“It’s important that we try and get someone in office that’s going to work for us,” Wesley said.

Wesley said she is a Democrat, but didn’t reveal who specifically got her votes.

“If someone that’s in the Republican (party) ... and I’ve studied them, that’s good for us, then that’s who I would vote for,” Wesley said. “I would just like for everyone that can to come out and vote, because if you don’t vote that’s giving everyone else the power over you.”

- Austin Fuller

Voters continue to arrive in the rain | 2:30 p.m.

Few voters entered the Eatonville Town Hall or Maitland’s King of Kings Lutheran Church early Tuesday afternoon as a rainstorm moved through the area. The precincts, 204 and 513 respectively, had almost 8.5% and 16.5% Election Day voter turnout at around 2 p.m.

Over 9.5% and 17% of voters registered at the precincts voted early, according to data from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections’ office.

Recent studies have shown that inclement weather on Election Day can reduce voter turnout, particularly from the Democratic party, according to a report from Spectrum News.

Elections supervisor Bill Cowles could not immediately be reached Tuesday about voter turnout numbers as Tropical Storm Nicole approaches.

- Katie Rice

Orange County voter supports DeSantis, free speech and women’s right to choose on abortion | 2:11 p.m.

As voters streamed out of Precinct 306, Bruce Gladden took his time walking along the sidewalk. Gladden voted at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Azalea Park. His shirt reads “you are here” and points to a speck in a galaxy. At age 69, he is retired and enjoys voting at this precinct as an Orange County resident.

Gladden voted for Ron DeSantis in 2018 and voted again for DeSantis today. Gladden discussed the importance of free speech and how the community should utilize their First Amendment rights more. He urged the community to speak their mind.

“I’m being a realist and helping America be more open about issues,” he said.

On abortion, Gladden said he’s strongly pro-choice. He argued that women should have autonomy over their bodies. He added abortion is not his decision to make and said that many women face difficulties when facing a pregnancy.

“Women are individuals just like men,” Gladden said.

Gladden said that he voted for the proposed penny sales tax increase for transportation in Orange County. He had no issues with the proposal, and once again stressed the importance of looking out for the wellbeing of others.

“It’s important to look out for the little man,” he said.

Marian Summerall, Special to Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

Man unable to vote urges others to do so | 1:47 p.m

Unable to vote, a man from Cuba urges others to do so in Kissimmee

Historically, it can be a struggle to get eligible, registered voters to show up for midterm elections in the U.S. But at Precinct 2003 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, a man who can’t vote showed up to encourage those who can to exercise their right.

Jean Moreno, a 24-year-old Cuban who lives in Kissimmee, was at the precinct waving signs and speaking out. He’s not a United States citizen, which means he cannot vote in these midterms. Despite this, Moreno stressed the importance of voting and how he hopes to be able to vote in elections like this in the future.

He said he was there to promote the campaign of Carolina Amesty, a conservative Republican running for Florida’s House of Representatives District 45.

“I hope to eventually vote,” Moreno said. “I am Cuban, so I come from a country where they don’t allow you to vote, so I think it’s important for people here to express their opinions and vote.”

Wanda Cestero was also campaigning at the Osceola Heritage Park. Cestero, a 60-year-old retiree who lives in Kissimmee, shared Moreno’s sentiment about how people should come out to vote.

“The people who think their vote doesn’t matter are wrong,” said Cestero. “The only thing that matters is that you vote, because if you don’t, you are giving the other candidate the benefit of not losing your vote to someone you actually believe in.”

Osceola Heritage Park has seen a consistent flow of voters coming in to cast their ballots. It’s a sight that encouraged Cestero and Moreno.

“Maybe you think your voice doesn’t matter, but if 100,000 people think their individual votes don’t matter, that’s 100,000 votes that combined, matter,” said Moreno. “You going out there and you casting your individual vote matters because the collective matters.”

Ryan Dcruz, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson Student

Canvassers knocking on doors in support of Maribel Gomez Cordero | 1:35 p.m

In south Orlando, Bri Scott and Brayan Escudero are trying to walk in the rain at an apartment complex. Canvassers for hospitality union UNITE Here Local 737, the pair are knocking on doors in support of Orange County commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero as well as rent stabilization.

Scott, 25, says she is encouraging voting for rent stabilization even though a court ruled the question invalid because there are more court cases to come.

“We know it’s going to go back and forth in the courts,” she said. “At least the votes will be there and we’ll have a chance.”

The pair is targeting apartments of people who have expressed support for Democrats in the past and voted in the primary in August.

Most of the doors they knock on don’t answer. The few who do decline to talk, saying their pressed for time. Scott and Escudero always leave a flyer with the polling location for residents.

At a door where a woman answers, Escudero, 33, says they’re talking to people about “inflation and rent prices,” and asks the person at the door if she’s been affected by these issues.

“I think it’s affecting everybody,” the woman responds.

Escudero hands her a flyer and tells her the election is today. The woman says she’s working but she’ll try to make it.

A housekeeper at Disney resorts, Scott says her organization has knocked on more than 10,000 doors since Oct. 17, and held more than 1,200 conversations.

Scott says she voted early. “I like to vote,” she said. “Your vote is your voice.”

Trevor Fraser

UCF’s precinct broke voter turnout record in 2020; today, not so much | 1:15 p.m.

Compared to the 107.6% voter turnout in 2020′s election, UCF’s voting precinct at Live Oak is “fairly calm’' today. Most students who came to Precinct 538 in the morning said they couldn’t vote because they came to the wrong precinct.

Chemistry junior Keven Luciano from Brevard County said he voted to fulfill his civic duty. Luciano said he was able to change his address and vote on the issues in Orange County that he thought were very important.

“Voting in midterms is just as important as the elections for the president,” Luciano said. “I thought this was definitely an election where I wanted to make my voice heard, so I looked at the amendments, made sure that I can have my opinion on things as well and put that in.”

Just like Luciano, emerging media sophomore Henry Severe from Broward County changed his address today. Severe said as he lives and works on campus, it was easy for him to “get it done.”

“It’s a duty that I should do,” Luciano said. “I know my mom always says, ‘a lot of people died for me to have that right.’”

Stedmon Ihejirika, the precinct’s poll deputy, said few people came to the campus precinct to vote during early voting, and few were showing up on Election Day. He said some of the voters who are showing up have very specific candidates in mind that motivated them to get to the polls.

“I wanted to give back to my community by educating and supporting them, giving them somewhere to vote,” Ihejirika said. “This is very important for me.”

Jane Kim, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Young Oviedo voters want their voices to be heard | 1:00 p.m.

Gabi Mengel, 26, at Precinct 70 at CrossLife Church said that she doesn’t believe enough young people vote even though it is “our right as Americans.” Mengel said that she has family in Mexico and that she is Puerto Rican as well, and that in those places there is not as much of an opportunity to make a change.

“The president[ial election] is a big one but also you live in this community, you should make votes that affect your community,” Mengel said. “We are the generation of complainers so we love to complain but never do anything that could possibly change any of that, so I always encourage my friends to vote.”

Yssa Treviano, 19, a student at Seminole State College, said that she voted so that she can be a part of this generation’s voice. Treviano said that before she moves out of the country to Canada, she wanted to vote in the place where she grew up and “try and make Seminole County a bit better for the younger generation.”

Treviano said that she doesn’t think the younger generation is doing enough to combat the votes of older voters who may not have the younger generation’s best interests in mind.

“It’s always better to do something about the future that you want for yourself,” Treviano said. “I always believe that, like you’re in charge of your fate, or else your fate will be in charge of you.”

Tanner Theen, 22, voted because he said his family always taught him that voting was important. He said that he believes in keeping “the right people in,” and that he voted for Ron DeSantis because he likes the way DeSantis has been governing the state so far.

Alexandra Sullivan, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Orange County poll workers direct short line of cars outside elections office | 12:46 p.m.

Around noon, a short line of cars waited outside the Orange County Supervisor of Elections’ office as poll workers directed them.

Lunchtime brought voters to nearby locations, like Joy Metropolitan Community Church, as storm clouds gathered overhead.

Bri Guerra, 28, said the engineering firm she works for gave her time off and an extra hour of pay to vote, even though the voting process took a matter of minutes.

“I’m grateful that my job let us leave work to go do this,” she said. “... I wish more places did that.”

The registered Democrat said voting Gov. Ron DeSantis out was her priority because of his stance on issues like abortion, and she used a party voting guide to decide her vote for other offices.

Though she said her friends also lean Democrat, many of them have abstained from voting in this election due to mistrust.

“They just don’t trust the system,” she said of her friends who lean “way, way liberal.”

The Orange County Supervisor of Elections’ website and the Florida Department of States’ elections website include resources on election integrity and how the state’s voting system works.

“Florida’s elections systems are secure,” the Department of State’s site reads, linking to a document on how state elections are certified. “Florida’s Legislature has enacted statutes ensuring that elections in this state are secure, fair, and above all, accurate.”

Katie Rice

Deltona City Commissioner District 3 candidates show up to greet voters at Deltona Middle School | 12:14 p.m

Tara D’Errico faces incumbent Maritza Avila-Vasquez for the Deltona District 3 City Commissioner spot. Both candidates showed up to greet voters at Deltona Middle School, Precinct 406.

Vasquez said that in her time as the commissioner in District 3, many parks have been updated and beautified, new pedestrian crossings and street lights have been added, and many other public works projects have started. She is running for re-election to see those projects through.

“I am running to fulfill my commitments to those projects and to the residents,” Vasquez said. " A lot of people think four years is a long time, but it’s really not enough time to finish everything we have started.”

She said that she wants to continue to improve roads, add lighting to Normandy and Deltona boulevards, and increase infrastructure to Saxon and Deltona boulevards.

Newcomer D’Errico said that she is running for District 3 to bring fresh perspectives and to actively listen to the residents and their concerns.

One thing she plans on addressing if elected is the aggressive growth and development in the area.

“Instead of focusing on a bunch of new developments, we need to flip that lens and start looking at redevelopment,” D’Errico said. “Redeveloping some of our areas that need a facelift and then look at the opportunities to bring in more commerce.”

She said she plans to combat the divisiveness that has grown in the district and address the stormwater and drainage problems in the area.

Both were present at Deltona Middle School and greeted voters entering the precinct and later thanked voters for doing their part.

Emily Paul, Special to the Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

Judges get some love: Wrestling coach is a big fan of Seminole Judge Ken Lester | 12:08 p.m.

J.D. Robbins, head wrestling coach at UCF and national team coach at USA Wrestling, said Judge Ken Lester has supported his former students when he coached at Oviedo High School.

“We’ve had kids get in and out of trouble,” said Robbins. “He makes [kids] responsible for what they do, but at the same time he doesn’t ruin their lives.”

Robbins was sporting a Ken Lester T-shirt when he showed up to vote at Precinct 062 at Oviedo Mall. He said he’s seen how Lester has dealt with his student-athletes, and they’ve gone on to be successful.

He also supports Ron DeSantis for governor, Cory Mills for Congress and Jason Brodeur for Florida Senate.

Robbins, 59, is primarily concerned about the economy. He has several investment properties that he wants to sell and re-finance, but says his payments would quadruple with current interest rates. He also spends about $800 a month on gas for his Range Rover.

“I’ve worked real hard to get to this point to have nice things,” said Robbins. “Now, I’m paying double to keep them in.”

Andrea Charur, Special to Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

Voters in southern Orange County steadily making their voices heard | 11:33 a.m.

As crews worked to cut grass outside the Meadow Woods Recreation Center, inside voters cast their votes.

The rec center is home to Precincts 426 and 427 in south Orange County, where a steadily growing number of voters arrived throughout the morning to perform their civic duty.

Tim Craft, 52, works in information systems at a local children’s hospital. He said the entire process went smoothly for him.

“It was great,” Craft said.

Craft said he supported the transportation system surtax and hoped former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist once again takes that position. However, his real motivation for heading to the polls Tuesday morning was to send a message.

“This election is important to vote out any election deniers,” Craft said.

Annie Romano, 55, works from home selling supplements. She has been in Orlando since 1997. Each morning after dropping off her children at school she walks 1.5 miles past the recreation center where she’s also assigned to vote. She said she doesn’t think twice about her safety and wants to keep it that way. Romano said she believed that participating in the election helps safeguard the very community in which she lives.

“Voting makes a difference. It makes things better for the county and leads to better jobs, better schools and more programs for kids,” Romano said.

Romano said she was in favor of the 1% transportation surtax because she believed it would keep Central Florida roads free of potholes.

“We all have to pay our taxes. I just returned from a trip to New York City, and there were holes everywhere,” she said with a smile.

Precinct 426 has 6,224 registered voters, while precinct 427 includes 5,707. Even though mid-terms are notorious for low turnout, just over 25% of eligible voters for both those precincts had cast their ballots by 10:30 a.m..

Chris English, Special to Orlando Sentinel – UCF Nicholson student

Voter says America is ‘struggling’ | 11:29 a.m.

In front of the Dayspring Community Church in Apopka, Christine Alexander, 57, holds a sign for Doug Bankston, a Republican running for the state House in District 39.As a sudden rain fell, Alexander blocked her head with her sign. “I’m out here all day, rain or shine,” she said.

Alexander, who says she switched from Democrat to Republican 12 years ago when she became a born-again Christian, says she’s supporting candidates that align with her faith.

“I think America is really struggling,” she said. “This country was founded on God and that’s not what’s supported in the mainstream.”

A small business owner, Alexander said she hopes her friendly greeting to voters puts a smile on their face. “People just look so sad and oppressed coming to vote,” she said.

Trevor Fraser

73-year-old man walks across the street to cast his vote | 11:29 a.m.

Voters are starting to stream into precinct 306 at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Azalea Park. It’s getting a little crowded. Some voters are having to wait for parking spots.

But one voter only had to walk about 20 feet across the street to the polling place.

Victor Otero used his maroon walker to guide him up the steps to vote with the aid of his nurse. At age 73, he is retired and has lived in Orange County across the street from his precinct for over 30 years. He enjoyed his voting experience and said it ran well with no issues.

“It was very good, it was very good,” he said.

When asked about the proposed penny sales tax increase for Orange County, Otero said it is important for the community and that it is a small price to pay for better transportation. Although Otero is not wealthy, he said he can afford to pay a small amount to ensure better roads and bus service.

“I think we need that. I’m not rich, but we need it for the county,” Otero said.

Marian Summerall, Special to Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

Voter visits the wrong polling location | 11:09 a.m.

Hakeem Kureshi of Apopka came out of the Dayspring Community Church a little dejected, as it turned out not to be his polling location.”It was just the closest,” Kureshi, 25, said.

Heading to the correct location, Kureshi, who works in tech support, said the issue that drew him out was rent control.

“I think it’s just a big issue, especially in Florida,” he said. He complained about out-of-state investors. “They’re pricing the local people out of the market.”

Kureshi also planned to vote for Val Demmings. “It’s mostly a vote against Rubio,” he said. “I’ve been wary of Rubio for a long time. He’s just part of Ted Cruz’s camp.”

Kureshi said he didn’t always agree with Democrats, who he said focused too much on “aesthetics,” but he tended to support their policy positions.

Trevor Fraser

Volusia Supervisor of Elections says Voting Day is Going Smoothly | 10:28 a.m.

At the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections office in DeLand, voting day is in full swing.

Lisa Lewis, the county’s supervisor of elections, said more than 90,000 people voted by mail and many are still dropping those ballots off today.

“Polls are open, people are coming in and dropping off their vote-by-mail ballots,” Lewis said. “Things are going well. People are voting.”

Not long after polls opened, she said she hadn’t yet checked voter turnout numbers but had heard from many precincts that their parking lots were full. With 411,503 registered voters, Volusia leans Republican, according to the most recent data from the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections.

“We are back from the virus and had 35 percent turnout before election day,” Lewis said. “Almost 60,000 people voted early.”

Lewis said that while the office is not fully staffed, they are doing their best to make the day run smoothly.

Emily Paul, Special to the Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

Father and Daughter in Oviedo Come Together to Vote Despite Opposing Views | 10:16 a.m.

Voters at Oviedo Mall had a quick and easy voting experience this morning, awakened by the sound of energetic toddlers playing at the daycare next door, O2B Kids.

Rob Mazzola, 57, came back from the polls at 8:06 a.m. with his daughter, Natalie Mazzola, 20. Natalie is a junior at the University of Central Florida. Rob wore a UCF t-shirt, proudly supporting his daughter’s university.

The two have different views when it comes to voting.

Natalie is staunchly pro-choice. She said she voted for Nikki Fried in the primary elections due to her stance on abortion and the housing crisis. She settled for Charlie Crist.

“I had to move home because my rent went up $300. But now I’m back out, paying twice as much as I did,” said Natalie.

Her father, a mechanic for Delta Airlines, voted for Ron DeSantis. He said he doesn’t trust the voting machines and is worried about foreign manipulation of elections. Rob said he consults True The Vote for information, a far-right vote-monitoring organization known for its support of the disproven conspiracy theory that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent and has been the subject of numerous vote-related federal investigations.

“Without election integrity, you cannot have a country,” said Rob. “Let’s just forget about everything else and focus on election integrity.”

The 2020 election has been investigated by multiple agencies and litigated in courts across the country, and no evidence of fraud has been found.

Rob said former President Donald Trump is his hero. He also greatly admires DeSantis and his work as a U.S. attorney advising special forces before becoming governor.

“Nobody talks about it,” said Rob. “They call him DeathSantis for no reason at all.”

Despite these differences, Natalie and Rob walk happily to their car together.

Andrea Charur– Special to the Orlando Sentinel – UCF Nicholson School student

Educators of Oviedo vote with academics in mind | 9:47 a.m.

Mary Beth Harris, 47, who works at the UCF College of Medicine, said voting was instilled in her as a kid when she helped run a polling place out of her grandmother’s carport. Although Harris was not giving out cookies and coffee to voters today like she used to, she said showing up and voting has always been important to her.

Harris said while she was voting, she kept academic freedom in mind. “I would like to see DeSantis out, I feel strongly about that,” Harris said. “I think he has done a lot to limit our academic freedoms in this state with the ‘woke act’ and things like that. I think it’s important to counteract that if we can.”

Michael Mallott, 46, a psychology professor, said he is concerned about freedom in the classroom. He said he voted based on what “certain candidates” believe in and that his background in psychology and understanding of human behavior contributed to his choices.

“I’ve been teaching a while now and there’s never been a time in my career where I’ve been more concerned with what’s going on because of the encroachment of the government in the classroom and how we are not free to speak, to be honest, facts and evidence,” Mallott said.

Jessi Carnes, 32, who teaches the 4th grade, said that as a teacher she cares about education and that her experience as an educator impacted her vote. She said that voting is the only way to make a difference since she’s “not always thrilled about what’s going on.”

Alexandra Sullivan - Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Candidates Share Thoughts on Pressing Issues on Election Day | 9:37 a.m.

As Winter Springs citizens enter Tuskawilla Country Club to vote, candidates Mark Caruso and Cade Resnick stand outside the building at Precinct 051, greeting voters as they enter and leave.

Resnick is running for Winter Springs City Commission in District 4 and said the priority of his campaign is safety, community and integrity.

“You want to think of the safety of the infrastructure, that more officers are on the road and everyone’s taken care of,” Resnick said. “We need the community to back up and stop fighting. There’s so much infighting going on because nobody’s on the same page, and a lot of people have tried to bend the truth. We need to get integrity and transparency back.”

Caruso, a sergeant with Florida’s Department of Corrections and a former New York City police officer, also stressed safety as well as issues like clean drinking water.

“I’ve been here 17 years, and I can’t remember the last time I actually drank water from the faucet,” Caruso said. “I’m former law enforcement so safety is a big issue. I want to address rising crime and get more officers out on the field, and even a pay raise would be great for them. They’re the second worst paid department in the county, out of seven cities.”

Caruso is currently running against Kevin McCann and Brandon Morrisey for mayor, while Cade Resnick is running against Tianna M. Hale.

Robert Haughn – Special to the Orlando Sentinel – UCF Nicholson School student

Former city commissioners campaign for Republican Party in Casselberry | 9:25 a.m.

At sunrise, one husband and wife were planted firmly outside their voting precinct to campaign for the candidates they are most passionate about.

Colleen Hufford and Bill Hufford, both 75, are former Casselberry city commissioners who dropped off their ballots last Saturday at Jean Rhein Central Branch Library. Today, they hold up signs and wave to cars to support Seminole County’s Republican candidates.

One sign advocates for Sean Cooper, a candidate for Seminole County School Board District 2. Education is a crucial issue for the couple, they said.

“I’m very passionate about women in sports,” she said. “I just find it not appropriate for our young women to compete and enjoy just like men get to compete and enjoy.”

She said that women should continue to be allowed to play sports on an even, separate playing field, and she thinks Cooper can help curb what she sees as propaganda being fed to children in schools.

Bill Hufford also said he voted for Cooper to keep the “woke agenda” out of education.

“He would support making sure of the right to academics. Not in terms of what’s your sexuality, whatever that might be, that’s not classrooms,” he said.

Within the first hour, a steady stream of voters came in and out of the polling location. A number of voters who visited the incorrect voting location were turned away and directed to the correct precinct to cast their vote.

Caroline Brauchler, Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Precinct #0070- Educators of Oviedo vote with academics in mind | 9:20 a.m.

Mary Beth Harris, 47, who works at the UCF College of Medicine said that voting was instilled in her since she was a kid when she helped run a polling place out of her grandmother’s carport. Although Harris was not giving out cookies and coffee to voters today as she used to, she said that showing up and voting has always been important to her.

Harris said that while she was voting, she kept academic freedom in mind. “I would like to see DeSantis out, I feel strongly about that,” Harris said. “I think he has done a lot to limit our academic freedoms in this state with the ‘woke act’ and things like that. I think it’s important to counteract that if we can.”

Michael Mallott, 46, a psychology professor, said that he is concerned about freedoms in the classroom. He said that he voted based on what “certain candidates” believe in and that his experience in psychology and the understanding of human behavior contributed to his choices on the ballot.

“I’ve been teaching a while now and there’s never been a time in my career where I’ve been more concerned with what’s going on because of the encroachment of the government in the classroom and how we are not free to speak, to be honest, facts and evidence,” Mallott said.

Jessi Carnes, 32, who teaches the 4th grade, said that as a teacher she cares about education and that her experience as an educator impacted who she voted for. She said that voting is the only way to make a difference since she’s “not always thrilled about what’s going on.”

Alexandra Sullivan - Special to the Orlando Sentinel - UCF Nicholson School student

Retired medical technician casts vote for DeSantis | 9:14 a.m.

Lena Nguyen, 72, is spending the morning in front of the Lockhart Church, her polling station, waving a yard sign for DeSantis.

She says she voted early. “I just wanted to be sure I got my vote in,” she said.

Nguyen didn’t want to go into details about why she supported DeSantis, “in case I say something wrong,” she said.

A retired medical technician from Advent Health and a 40-year resident of the Lockhart neighborhood, Nguyen said she supports all Republican candidates in general. “MAGA!” she said.

Trevor Fraser

Orlando resident urges her community to have love in their hearts and to go vote | 9 a.m.

Precinct 306 at the Christ the King Episcopal Church in Azalea Park had a steady flow of traffic as the sun rose and shined over voters this morning.

Darlene E. Blake walked out of precinct 306 at 7:43 a.m. proud of her selections with her “I voted” sticker placed on her right chest. At age 64, the retired Orlando resident said she has been voting since she was 18, and stressed the importance for the community to get up and vote.

Blake said she voted against the proposed penny sales tax increase for transportation because the government does not keep its promises. Regardless of what the tax entails, she does not believe it will truly help transportation efforts.

“Even though transportation needs to be better, I don’t see any difference,” Blake said.

Blake said she supported Barack Obama in the past and today voted for Charlie Crist for governor and Val Demings for U.S. Senate. But the person she said she supports most wasn’t on the ballot but in her heart: Jesus.

Blake stressed that people should support others regardless of physical features such as skin color. She urged the community to love one another.

“Everybody have love and salvation, keep Jesus close,” she said as she walked away smiling.

Marian Summerall, Special to Orlando Sentinel- UCF Nicholson School student

No issues voting so far | 8:32 a.m.

Gaye Simpkins, clerk at the John H. Jackson Neighborhood Center in Parramore, said she hasn’t had any issues this morning.

Around a dozen residents were inside voting around 8 a.m. Simpkins said the turnout so far had been steady.

Syreeta Price, a pharmacy technician from the neighborhood, said she was primarily drawn out to vote for rent stabilization. She said she was aware a judge had invalidated the ballot question.

“This is so they’ll know for next time,” Price, 36, said. “Hopefully, it will count next time.”

Price said her own rent went up $100 this year.

Trevor Fraser

GOP voter values ‘compassion,’ ‘strong leader’ | 8 a.m.

The Broadway United Methodist Church in downtown Orlando saw a steady stream of voters just before 8 a.m.

Caryn Burke, 52, spoke to the Sentinel before going inside. A registered Republican, she said her biggest values in this election was “compassion” and a “strong leader who could speak with conviction.”

She said she planned to vote straight down the Republican ticket, debating only one break from orthodoxy, Orange County’s transportation tax, which she said she’s considering voting for.

Trevor Fraser

Strategist predicts bad day for Democrats | 7:55 a.m.

Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell talks with Veteran Democratic strategist Steve Schale.

Schale is best known for being a top official in the Obama campaign helping Obama win Florida twice in 2008 and 2012.

Schale predicts a bad day for the Democrats in Florida and across the country. Watch Maxwell’s video below.

Scott Maxwell

Polls open in Orange, across Central Florida | 7 a.m.

At 7 a.m., the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office opened, with several people dropping off mail-in ballots in the first minute.

Alexander Perales, 51, said he meant to mail his ballot sooner but was “just being lazy.” A Disney recruiter, he said what was important in his voting decisions was that “Republicans not get in.”

A staff member at the office who refused to go on the record said the office was already busy with calls from polling locations opening up, but there had been no substantial issues so far.

Trevor Fraser