"Throw the bums out!" Ernie Librizzi laughed, but he really was't kidding -- Librizzi had just finished casting an early vote at a western Broward County library.
"I did not vote the same as I did last time, let me put it that way."
It is too early to define trends in the South Florida early voting period that runs from October 18th to the 31st. As of Thursday, 19,345 people had voted early in Broward County and 20,938 in Miami-Dade.
At the Coral Gables Library, one of the twenty Miami-Dade early voting locations, Ivan Sanchez described the mood during his voting experience.
"Everyone is voicing their opinion," he said. "Basically everyone is fed up with what they are fed up with, and they are letting everyone know."
Republicans and Democrats are sparring over early numbers as Republicans claim they have the edge in getting out early voters and absentee voters. Poll watchers are checking to see if Democrats have lost enthusiasm generated two years ago by President Obama's Presidential victory.
One thing's for sure: it seems the voters are restless, and they aren't shy talking about it.
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One woman named Alma, who did not want to give her last name, talked about the need for change: "I am not very happy. We could do some changes especially with unemployment," she said, after voting early in Broward County.
"We need to get back to a little more conservative view on ow we run things around here," said another Broward voter, Gary Carew.
"We don't vote a straight Republican ticket," added his wife, Julie. The couple had studied the sample ballots they brought with them to their polling location. "We vote for the best person. We think it is time to get back to basics."
Allison Cohen strolled out of the Coral Gables Library after casting her early vote. "I think we can make some changes. I think there are some good people who have come forward ready for some change," said the Homestead native.
Early voting continues through October 31st. Times vary in both counties, so check your local elections info or sample ballots to locate early voting polling locations and open and closing times.
