The Florida Department of State's Division of Elections said more votes were cast during the 2012 General Election than ever before.

Gov. Rick Scott also issued a statement asking Secretary of State Ken Detzner to report on ways the process can be improved.

It also said voters cast more absentee ballots than before.

Nearly 8.5 million votes were cast, including 2.4 million absentee votes and more than 2.4 million early votes.

The Department received its first unofficial results for the race Saturday.

One recount was ordered in the race for State Representative, District 29.

The Election Canvassing Commission will meet Nov. 20 to certify the returns for federal, state and multi-county offices.

Click here to view the unofficial results.

Gov. Rick Scott commented on the results:

“Around 8.5 million Floridians voted in this general election – more votes cast than in any other election in state history.

A record of nearly 4.8 million Floridians also voted early and absentee ballots.

We are glad that so many voters made their voices heard in this election, but as we go forward we must see improvements in our election process.

I have asked Secretary of State Ken Detzner to review this general election and report on ways we can improve the process after all the races are certified.

As part of this evaluation, Secretary Detzner will meet with County Election Supervisors, who are elected or appointed to their position – especially those who ran elections in counties where voters experienced long lines of four hours or more.

We need to make improvements for Florida voters and it is important to look at processes on the state and the county level. We will carefully review suggestions for bettering the voting process in our state.

Now that the election is over we have an opportunity to come together – regardless of political party – and focus on the issues important to Florida families.

Our families care about getting a great job, a quality education and keeping their cost of living low. Making our state better for Florida families is our ultimate goal.”