Marion County shuts nine early voting sites before Tuesday's election

Marion County ended its early voting period on Saturday, closing nine polling locations across the district. The 10-day run finished ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

The Supervisor of Elections Center in Ocala served as one of the nine sites. Public libraries in Belleview and Dunnellon, plus community centers in Reddick and Silver Springs Shores, also hosted voters during the period. Registered voters could cast ballots at any of the nine locations rather than being restricted to their home precinct during this window.

Abigail Jackson cast her ballot at the Ocala center. She said she chose to vote early to avoid waiting until the last minute. “I wanted to make sure that I’d be early rather than late. (..) It’s important to not procrastinate,” Jackson said.

Annelise Gomez brought her daughter to the polls. Gomez said she wanted to teach her child about civic participation. “I am teaching my daughter here the importance of voting, the importance of selecting leaders who will represent everybody, you know, just inclusion, diversity, back in the direction where our country needs to be going,” Gomez said.

Residents who did not vote early must go to their assigned precinct on Nov. 3. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.