These are the numbers. I’d like to say I’m surprised but judging by the first day of early voting that ended in a dust up in the midst of an ongoing negative news cycle, it’s no wonder voters are showing apathy toward showing up.

Who really wants to go to a polling location and risk running into an argument or being talked to in a negative way because of support for an opposition candidate?

But the truth is, we DO need you to show up. Your vote IS important. It DOES count and in this climate, it DOES matter.

We’re seeing people crossing party lines to vote for candidates and while it’s touted by some candidates as bad, think about what it says about the candidates and the issues at stake.

In Washington DC where some elected officials of opposing parties won’t even get in an elevator together – and this came straight from U.S. Senator Rick Scott at an event Wednesday evening, people here locally are holding their noses and doing what has to be done.

On the first day of early voting I was thrilled to see the Democratic and Republican Party tents side by side, speaking to each other cordially, opening the election cycle with a shared prayer and being neighbors.

It’s been a tough few years for everyone and as we continue to weather what’s coming, we can do it together by continuing to be civilized, focus on shared ideas and values, and by setting a good example for the next generation, teaching them change is made at the ballot box.

Please visit www.flaglerelections.com if you need details on your voting location or a primer on the candidates.

Thank you for voting.