Volusia County Early Voting: Daytona, New Smyrna tied for lead in ballots cast so far

Headline Surfer video / Santiago Avila Jr., a candidate for mayor of Deltona, is shown in a segment of the video he shot from the Deltona Regional Public Library on Sunday, the second day of Early Voting in Volusia County and across the Sunshine State in advance of the Aug. 28 Florida Primary. 
 
HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  -- After the first two days of Early Voting, traffic is heaviest in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, according to voter tallies compiled by Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis.

The two cities are tied with 654 votes cast. In third is Deltona with 575 votes, followed by Ormond Beach with 565 and rounding out the field is DeLand with 438 votes.

Lewis said she is cautiously optimistic voter turnout will be better this time around for the Aug. 28 primary compared to past years as demonstrated by vote-by-mail returns coming into her office.

“As of August 9, a little over 25% of ballots mailed have been returned; with more coming in every day," Lewis said in a press release emailed to Headline Surfer and other daily news outlets on the eve of Early Voting, adding, "It’s wonderful to see the ballots being sent back and we hope to reach 50% in a primary election. Primary elections are usually a lower turnout; however, I hope this year more will vote in the primary; as there is something on the ballot for everyone.”

Lisa Lewis, Volusia County, FL Supervisor of Elections / Headline Surfer“As of August 9, a little over 25% of ballots mailed have been returned; with more coming in every day," Volusia County Supervisor Lisa Lewis, shown here at left, said in a press release emailed to Headline Surfer and other daily news outlets on the eve of Early Voting."

Lewis added, "It’s wonderful to see the ballots being sent back and we hope to reach 50% in a primary election. Primary elections are usually a lower turnout; however, I hope this year more will vote in the primary; as there is something on the ballot for everyone.”

Lewis wants to remind voters if they vote by mail, that they make sure to sign the certificate envelope before returning their voted ballot. Voted ballots must reach the supervisor’s office by 7 pm on election night.

Early Voting is from 8 am to 5 pm; at the following locations:
• DeLand area: County Admin Building, 123 W. Indiana Ave.;
• Deltona area: Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave;
• Daytona Beach area: City Island Library, 105 E. Magnolia Ave.;
• Ormond Beach area: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St.;
• New Smyrna Beach area: New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway.