Early voting in the city’s runoff elections began Monday, and so far, turnout is higher than the early voting turnout for Gainesville’s March election.
Almost 200 voters came to the polls for the first day of early voting, according to Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter.
Voter turnout increased from the first day of early voting in March, when there were only 113 voters.
“We seem to be a little bit ahead from last month,” Carpenter said. “That’s an encouraging sign.”
Craig Lowe and Don Marsh are vying for mayor in the runoff election when neither of the five candidates received the required 50 percent plus one votes during the March 16 election.
Penny Wheat and Randy Wells are running for the District IV City Commission seat.
“We’re really happy with the turnout so far,” said Eric Conrad, Lowe’s communications director. “More people are interested and it’s going to affect the future of Gainesville.”
Early voting lasts until April 10 and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the county administration building, 12 SE First St.
Regular voting is on April 13 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at local precincts.
