JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The first week of early voting in Duval County has concluded with a surge of civic engagement, as local officials report that 86,000 ballots have already been processed. According to Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, this total includes approximately 60,000 early in-person votes and 26,000 ballots submitted by mail.
Buoyed by these robust numbers, Holland’s office is expressing optimism that the county could reach or even exceed the historic 62% turnout record set in 2018. To accommodate the heavy flow of voters, election staff are prepared for a demanding schedule, with plans to work 12-hour shifts daily through the final week of the early voting period.
The atmosphere at polling locations remained energized throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the Legends Center at Lonnie C. Miller Regional Park became a hub of community activity. Local churches and nonpartisan groups gathered to encourage participation, providing voters with resources and information regarding the upcoming election.
For many, the convenience of the early voting window is a primary draw. “It’s a lot easier than coming out here on Election Day,” said voter Regina Guinyard, highlighting a sentiment shared by many who opted to avoid the anticipated long lines on November 3.
Community outreach played a significant role in the week’s success. Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church hosted a “pop-up party at the polls,” where Lead Pastor Reginald L. Gundy and his congregation provided groceries to more than 200 local families. Gundy noted that the initiative was intended to serve the community regardless of their voting status, helping to turn the trip to the polls into a supportive neighborhood event.
Nonpartisan advocacy groups were also on-site to ensure voters felt prepared. Sandra Thompson, secretary of the Jacksonville NAACP branch, explained that their volunteers focused on educating voters about complex ballot issues and proposed amendments rather than endorsing specific candidates.
“A lot of them are asking who to vote for. We don’t tell them who to go vote for,” Thompson said. “We just say make sure that you vote, but we’re telling them about the issues.”
As the campaign enters its final stretch, local faith-based initiatives are continuing to push for high turnout. The Church of Oakland has organized a “Souls to the Polls” event for Sunday. Following their 10:45 a.m. service, congregants plan to head to the Dallas Graham Library at 2304 Myrtle Ave. N. as a group to cast their ballots.
Early voting in Duval County continues through Nov. 1, with the official Election Day following on Nov. 3. With high enthusiasm and organizational support, officials are keeping a close watch on whether the current momentum will carry them toward a new benchmark in voter participation.
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