Early voting for the Aug. 24 primary election opens today.
In addition to the party primaries for national and state seats, there are Republican primaries for the Lee County commission as well as three non-partisan races for the Lee County School Board and two judicial seats on the ballot.
Maybe most importantly to Gasparilla islanders, four of five voting seats are up for grabs among 11 candidates for the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Board, which is working to erect three replacement bridges worth an estimated $40 million total.
All registered voters can cast ballots in the school board and Lee County court judges races, meaning everyone can vote in at least five races.
It's a plump ballot - and an important one - and we urge voters to take advantage of it by turning out.
But even if you can't be there you can - and should - vote any way you can.
There are three ways to cast a ballot:
by mail (call LEE-VOTE, 533-8683 by Wednesday, Aug. 18);
through early voting at select polling sites (through Aug. 21); and
at neighborhood precincts on election day.
Early voting location hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Call (239) 533-8683 For more voting information.
For those still seeking information on the candidates, it is readily available on various campaign and media websites, including our own. All GIBA Board candidate positions have been posted at bocagrandetalk.com.
In addition, Breeze Newspapers will publish a special election section, which will include news stories and biographical information, position statements and Q&As for the Lee County Commission Republican primaries and the non-partisan school board races on Aug. 14. We invite you to read.
Ours thanks to all of the candidates for stepping forward. And our thanks in advance to the residents who plan to vote.
- Breeze editorial
