The Florida Keys comprise a small but mighty chain of communities, populated by involved citizens—a fact that becomes apparent in election years when signs pop up like spring buds in front yards.
This March, Keys voters head to the polls to cast an initial vote in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election. Between Key West and Key Largo, there are (as of March 10) 53,510 registered voters, equating to roughly 70% of the population. Of those voters, 14,441 are considered independent or unaffiliated with a particular political party, while 17,786 are registered Democrats and 21,283 are registered Republicans, a division that matters greatly since, at this stage, Florida voters must stick to party lines, meaning only Republicans can choose the Republican candidates, and only Democrats may choose their party’s candidates.
The Florida presidential preference primary on Tuesday, March 17 determines who leads the charge as the country races toward the presidential election on Nov. 3. While the sample ballot available for the Monroe County primary still lists 16 Democratic presidential hopefuls, the field has narrowed to two main choices duking it out for delegates: former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, two contenders who remain the source of heated rhetoric within their own party. Biden has picked up several key endorsements in the past few weeks, and after the half-dozen primaries on March 10 had captured 786 delegates to Sanders’ 645 (Washington had not been finalized). Sanders, on the other hand, remains in the fight thanks to a steadfast group of fervent followers.
While President Donald Trump is essentially guaranteed the nomination of his Republican party, three other names remain on the Republican ballot, though their presence mostly serves to illuminate the complexities of our democratic election process.
When the last presidential election took place in November 2016, the Keys claimed 54,749 registered voters. Of those, 43,355 (79%) exercised their rights on election day, in early voting and through absentee and provisional ballots. Between the two heavy hitters in that race, Trump took 50.97% of the overall vote, while Hillary Clinton pulled in 44.14%. Leading up to the main event in 2016, the March primary saw just 43% of 53,350 voters turn out to kick off the race. The results of that primary were indicative of later outcomes, with Trump garnering 53.87% of Republican votes and Clinton capturing 55.26% of Democratic votes.
With temperaments running high heading into this year’s cycle, voters are keenly aware that, while statistical information abounds, an election is more than a numbers game. Anyone following the news recently will find more speculative accounts than could be read in a lifetime. For the moment, the most prudent advice for voters is to learn about the candidates and to simply show up at the polls.
For more information on early voting, polling locations, or to register to vote, visit keys-elections.org.
