Julie Glenn: From WGCU news, I'm Julie Glenn. I'm on the phone right now with reporter Andrea Perdomo, who is in Charlotte County at a polling location. Andrea, where exactly are you and what are you seeing?
Andrea Perdomo: I am in Punta Gorda at the South County Regional Library, and it's pretty quiet over here right now. There isn't a line here at this polling location and the parking lot is I would say kind of empty actually, probably about a quarter full.
Julie Glenn: I know we're not allowed to talk with people that are working the polling locations so we can't get a whole lot of context as far as how busy it's been all day long, but you just aren't seeing much activity. Are there any people camped out outside trying to wave flags or get attention for their candidate?
Andrea Perdomo: Usually at polling locations, it's not unusual to see people holding up signs or campaigning for their preferred candidate. But honestly, it's pretty quiet over here. There's one truck with some signage, with an American flag and some Trump flags too. But other than that, it's pretty quiet over here.
Julie Glenn: That's what I was seeing when I was out and about earlier today, too. Do you think this has to do with the fact that a lot of people cast their ballots early?
Andrea Perdomo: My understanding last time I checked, about 70% of people in Charlotte County of registered voters had already participated, and I think about 6,000 voters cast ballots so far today. So, lower turnout than early voting, but the high percentage might have something to do with the fact that it's so quiet over here right now.
Julie Glenn: Yeah, 70% of people had already cast their ballots by 10 minutes ago. That's quite a huge number. So, only 30% of people who are registered to vote in Charlotte County can come out to vote still today. But the good news is, it's beautiful weather out there and the lines aren't too long.
Andrea Perdomo: Exactly. So, if anyone's planning to come to the South County Regional Park, if that's your polling location, this might be the time to stop by while there's no line.
Julie Glenn: Absolutely. Thanks so much, Andrea.
Andrea Perdomo: No worries. Thank you, Julie.
