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NewsABC7 WWSBOctober 29, 2026Manatee County

Florida early voting reaches nearly 4 million ballots cast as midterm election approaches

Photo: ABC7 WWSB

Nearly 4 million ballots have been cast in Florida's early voting period as candidates make final campaign appearances five days before Election Day. Republican candidate Sydney Gruter spoke in Lakewood Ranch, while opponent Kelly Kirschner scheduled campaign events in Sarasota and Cortez. Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds campaigned across South Florida as part of a bus tour.

Elections and VotingCampaigns and Elections
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Why It Matters

The state's early voter turnout reaches nearly 4 million ballots across Republican, Democratic, and independent voters ahead of the midterm election.

Key Facts

  • Florida early voting has reached nearly 4 million ballots cast ahead of the midterm state election.
  • About 1.57 million registered Republicans have cast early ballots.
  • More than 1.51 million registered Democrats have cast early ballots.
  • More than 700,000 independent voters have cast ballots.
  • Congressional candidates Sydney Gruter and Kelly Kirschner are competing in the race for U.S. Representative for District 16.
  • Sydney Gruter spoke to motivate Republican voters in Lakewood Ranch on Thursday.
  • Kelly Kirschner scheduled a campaign appearance in Sarasota and Cortez for Friday at 3 p.m.
  • Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds campaigned in Boca Raton and Hialeah as part of his Defending the Florida Dream bus tour.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationWWSB“News organization publishing the report”locationLakewood Ranch“Location where Sydney Gruter spoke on Thursday”locationCortez“Location of the 8P Bellfish Company where Kirschner will campaign”locationSarasota“Location of Kelly Kirschner's scheduled Friday campaign event”Organization8P Bellfish Company“Venue in Cortez hosting Kelly Kirschner”PersonSydney Gruter“Republican candidate seeking to become the next U.S. representative for District”locationDistrict 16“Congressional district where Gruter and Kirschner are competing”locationBoca Raton“Stop on Byron Donalds' bus tour”locationHialeah“Stop on Byron Donalds' bus tour”PersonByron Donalds“Republican gubernatorial candidate participating in a bus tour”locationSouth Florida“Region where Byron Donalds campaigned on Thursday”PersonKelly Kirschner“Candidate competing in the race for U.S. representative for District 16”