CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. - Florida’s state primary is now just days away, and local elections supervisors are finalizing plans to keep you safe during this time of coronavirus.  


What You Need To Know

  • Election officials say voters should feel safe while casting ballot

  • Voters will, however, be asked to exercise patience

  • More Election 2020 headlines

To respond to health and safety fears, Citrus County election officials are assuring residents of precautions they’ve taken for those casting their ballots this year.

Susan Gill, Citrus County Supervisor of Elections said, “When a voter comes in, we have our six-foot social distancing and this is for the voter."

That includes first-time voter Ashleigh Allen

“I’ve always been into politics ever since I was little,” Allen said, “And like now that I can finally have a voice and say that it’s just, it really means a lot.”

Allen said she appreciates what election officials are doing in Citrus County.

“There is a plexiglass shield between the voter and worker, and then when I give my ID we have a little clothes pin here,” Gill demonstrated.

Allen said, “That’s great, whether you wear a mask or you don’t, every need to still stay safe in this because it is real, people are getting it.”

“We’ve never conducted in a pandemic where we have to be concerned about people’s health and safety and such,” Gill said.

She said the voter turnout this year, during the pandemic, is comparable to the 2018 general elections when she saw the highest number of voters in Citrus County.

“We haven’t even gotten to Election Day. I’m just wondering whether voters are looking for some sort of normalcy.”

Whether they are just looking for normalcy or want their voices heard like Allen, they can expect to do it safely. 

Gill recommends voters to be a little patient. It’s going to take a little longer this time around than it did in previous year. Early voting ends August 15. On. another note, because of Primary Election Day, there will be *no* covid-19 testing at the Citrus Springs Community Center on Tuesday, August 18. Iit will be available Monday and resume Wednesday. 

NOTE: Keep in mind due to Florida law, some of the video in story was taken before early voters were able to vote Thursday.