Collier County voters focus on hot button issues as they cast their ballots

As Collier County voters headed to the polls on Tuesday where there were four referenda on the ballot, as well as races for judges, commissioners, school board members, the race for governor, and District 19.

Only on election day do groups of people, including Kimberly Beltran of North Naples, sit outside voting precincts in the hot sun holding signs.

“I got here a little bit before 10. It’s very hot,” said Beltran. “I’m sweating but doing well.”

For Beltran, it’s all about the importance of voting.

Gene Scanlan wore that same message on his shirt. “Well, it just simply says ‘Voting is my superpower,’ and I think that’s true of every citizen in our wonderful nation.”

Scanlan shares his message everywhere he goes with his “Just vote” bumper sticker. He said the first election he voted in was in 1972.

“I’ve never missed an election since I was a boy,” said Scanlan.

Even a primary like Tuesday’s, featuring candidates like District 19 Congressman Byron Donalds, who voted in Golden Gate Tuesday morning.

“To see your name there is a little surreal,” said Donalds.

Donalds faces challenger Jim Huff.

Santa Graf of North Naples does not have her name on the ballot, but she made sure to vote because for her, it’s all about Roe v. Wade. She wants her elected leaders to be pro-choice. “I interviewed right through here before I even went in on whether… where their loyalty lied.”

Other voters WINK News met in Collier County said Tuesday was all about the school board.

“I want the kids to be able to grow and learn in a good clean environment,” said Frank Morrison, of North Naples.

Although many people singled out the school board as the issue they care about most; there was a lot for Collier County voters to consider. For example, we will get closer to finding out who will replace Andy Solis on the county commission, and Marco Island will decide the future of short-term rentals in a controversial referendum.