Early Voting Begins in Florida Special Elections

Early voting has commenced for two special elections in Florida's 1st and 6th Congressional Districts to fill vacancies left by former U.S. Representatives Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz, who joined Donald Trump’s administration. These districts, which heavily favor Republicans, feature GOP candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine facing Democrats Gay Valimont and Josh Weil, with additional independent and minor party contenders. Voter registration in both districts significantly leans Republican, with CD 1 having 312,000 registered Republicans compared to 119,000 Democrats. Meanwhile, in Florida Senate District 19 and House District 32, early voting for Republican primaries is underway, with winners proceeding to a general election on June 10. The races have prompted substantial Democratic investment, reflecting strategic efforts to contest the typically Republican-leaning seats. With early voting running daily up to the April 1 Election Day, election officials emphasize the importance of checking voter eligibility and precinct details due to Florida's closed primary system.