Early voters cast their ballots ahead of the 2024 election

Early voting is underway in southwest Florida.

Signs urging people to vote are everywhere, and long lines of voters show that people are taking notice and casting their ballots in the presidential election.

At the Fort Myers Regional Library, people are making their vote count.

Jack Lambert is from Chicago, he says it’s his first time voting in the Sunshine State.

“I think it’s assumed one direction in Chicago. And, you know, I don’t know if you’re exactly heard as much, so I’m excited to come down here, and I think my vote’s a little more heard,” said Lambert.

• RELATED: Early voters cast their ballots ahead of 2024 election

For others, like Porfirio Gutierrez, it’s all about the amendments no matter where you stand.

“Abortion is, I think they ought to leave it up to the women. Marijuana is up, I don’t think people need to smoke marijuana,” said Gutierrez.

“Since my early 20s, I’ve been voting, and the main reason today is the president and the abortion amendment,” said voter Roberta Slack.

“So, I suggest going and find out what amendments and laws are going to be passed and going prepared. Because I thought I was prepared, and there were still questions on there about funding for things that I really wasn’t aware of was even on the ballot at all,” said voter Jen Nagle.

WINK News reporter Haley Zarcone spoke with voters about the importance of voting.

“Especially this year, I think voting is one of the most important things anyone can do right now,” said first-time voter Andrea Almansberger. “Our country needs to pull together, and the only way that can happen is if people voice their opinions.”

It starts with your vote and ends with officials elected into office, including the next commander-in-chief.

“Looking forward back for the last four years, they want to turn a page. But, I mean, it was their own doing at this point,” said Gary Fredricks, a north Fort Myers voter.

The need for change can be seen in the grocery store.

“I mean, sausages were $1.99 for a couple of years ago, this $5 or $6 now it’s just the inflation,” said Fredricks.

You hear the need for change in conversations.

“We need to get healthy in terms of relationships with people and relationships with governments and relationships with money,” said Almansberger.

Voters are especially feeling the need at the polls.

“I had a great feeling that everybody was lined up. It showed that people care,” said Fredricks.

“Is a really important election, probably the most important election that I recall all the years of voting we’ve had in it a long time,” said voter Maria Hanson.

“Let’s just, you know, cross our fingers. Let’s just pray,” said Almansberger. “Everyone needs to get out and vote. You cannot complain if you didn’t vote”

More than 211,000 people have already early voted across southwest Florida’s six counties.

Early voting does end on November 2 in every county except for Charlotte. In Charlotte County, early voting ends on November 3.