Florida's primary election is Tuesday, with Democrats Charlie Crist and Nan Rich facing off to see who will go up against Gov. Rick Scott in November.
Many are worried voters won't show up to the polls. While about 1.2 millions residents are registered to vote, only an 18 percent turnout is expected.
Elections officials said about 117,000 Miami-Dade residents have already voted either absentee or early, and another 100,000 are expected to vote Tuesday. In Broward, only 20,000 have cast early or absentee votes so far.
On this year's ballot, in addition to the the Democratic gubernatioral primary: The 1,000-foot SkyRise Miami tower, Miami Beach term limits and other municipal issues.
The SkyRise Miami tower, which would include obvservation decks, a restaurant and a thrill ride, would extend the City of Miami's lease with Bayside Marketplace for another 99 years and bring in millions in revenue to the city. But, many worry about the size of the structure and it's placement on public property.
Meanwhile, the democratic gubernatorial primary is getting its own attention as lifelong democrat Nan Rich runs against party novice Charlie Crist, who is the favorite to win. Crist, a former Republican turned Independent turned Democrat, is trying to win back the seat he gave up in 2010.
"Everyone is assuming he has got it," said Charles Zelden, a political science professor at Nova Southeastern University. "If that is the case, a lot of people who are going to vote for him just may not show up to vote, and Nan Rich's supporters are rabidly, strongly in support of her."
Local
Former congressman David Rivera is also running once again for his old seat in west Miami-Dade county, even though he is currently involved in a federal campaign finance fraud investigation. School Board member Carlos Curbelo is expected to win that election.
Among other municipal items on the ballot: Miami Beach residents will decide if term limits should be adjusted; North Miami will choose a new mayor and Doral voters will decide if a committee should be established to investigate crimes by elected city officials.
"I think the big story for tomorrow is going to be: 'Where are the voters, why didn't they show up?'" Zelden said. "I think the apathy has to do with the nature of the election and also the negative nature of the elections."
More than 500 polling locations will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For a complete list, visit MiamiDade.gov/Elections.
