What to expect during Charlotte County’s early voting amidst a pandemic

Spaced out tables, glass dividers, clean pens and face masks. Voting will look a lot different this year during a pandemic.

You can cast your ballot ahead of the primary in Charlotte, Hendry and DeSoto counties where early voting is already underway.

Getting out to vote is a top priority for Linda and Larry Hegman of Port Charlotte, who took advantage of early voting in the primary.

“The process could not have been easier. It was very organized,” Larry said.

Before you walk into the old Charlotte County courthouse, be prepared for a temperature check.

“There weren’t a lot of voters, so it went pretty quickly,” said Josie Bowman of Deep Creek.

No cell phones or cameras are allowed when you cast your vote, but we caught a glimpse of the new safety procedures through the glass door.

“Workers are all wearing shields or masks, so they are being protected,” Bowman said. “I don’t know what else they could do to improve it.”

“They had plexiglass windows set up to protect the volunteers they had sanitizer available if you need it,” Larry said.

We also spotted spaced out, private voting booths, which a worker cleans after evert ballot is completed. Also, clean pens are available for everyone.

“They are following all of the sanitary conditions,” Bowman said.

A quick process to make your voice heard.

“It probably took us two minutes, and no excuse not to vote,” Larry said. “There’s a lot riding on this.”

“The world is watching us,” said Linda. “Get out and vote folks,” Larry added.

Charlotte County voters can also cast early-voting ballots at the west annex building in Englewood and Mid-County Regional Library in Port Charlotte.

Early voting starts Saturday for Glades, Collier and Lee counties.

Early voting locations in SWFL

• Charlotte County early voting 
• Collier County early voting 
• DeSoto County early voting 
• Glades County early voting 
• Hendry County early voting
• Lee County early voting