Record-breaking number of ballots cast in Naples City Council elections

A record number of ballots have been cast in this year’s Naples City Council election. There are three seats up for grabs this cycle.

Every vote counts, so many showed up bright and early to cast their ballots for Naples City Council seats.

Jim Mahons says he always votes on election day. “Well, we are growing so quickly, and there’s so many pressing issues that the three of seven council were up for elections this time, so it’s a very important vote,” Mahon said.

There are five candidates on the ballot, and two of them are incumbents, Councilman Ray Christman and Vice Mayor Terry Hutchinson. The other three are newcomers John Dugan, Beth Petrunoff and Ian Rudnick.

Collier County’s Supervisor of Elections, Jennifer Edwards,  says early voting set a record for a city election. “The last time the city of Naples had early voting for their election, 20 voters voted in 2006. So we’re very pleased with their turnout for this election,” said Edwards. 

More than 4,000 people voted early, either in-person or by mail.

Bob Hubberd says he isn’t surprised by the voter turnout for this race. “I think people here.. it’s an older population, it’ll be my guess— I’m 76, I’m part of it. It makes it easy voting early. We’ve all been through a lot in this community, and it’s important to cast your vote however that might be,” said Hubberd.

The first results are expected to come out around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.