GAINESVILLE, FL.-

Early voting started Saturday August 4, 2012 and continues until next Saturday.
Some residents are already taking advantage of casting their votes before  Election Day on August 14, 2012.
We caught up with some of the first people who hit the polls early Saturday morning.

"I like to vote on the very first day. First opportunity that I have," said Clifford Patrick.

Patrick of Gainesville said he prefers not to wait until Election Day to cast his vote.

"Much easier, waiting time is shorter. It only takes about five minutes. Just walk in, fill out my ballot and go," said Patrick.

There are three early voting polling sites open in Alachua County. The county administration building in Downtown Gainesville, the Millhopper Branch Library and the Tower Road Library.
 

If you plan on voting at the Downtown Gainesville location, you don't have to worry about parking. They have reserved parking spots for voters. Some residents said that's one reason the prefer coming before Election Day.

"You can usually find a better parking spot. I want to make sure that I get my vote counted," said John Sims.

Five hundred seventy people from Alachua County ended up voting on the first day.
Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter said it a pretty good turnout.

"We are seeing more people taking advantage of early voting and voting by mail. Our average is about 35 percent of the people who vote, vote prior to election day," said Carpenter.

Carpenter said it's best if you take a look at your voters registration card before going to the polls.

"That has all the information on it for what house district, senate district and congressional district your in. That will help you know ahead of time you know what candidates are going to be on your particular ballot," said Carpenter.

Florida is a closed primary state which means you may vote for only  the candidates of the party in which you are registered. It's too late to change your party affiliation now, but it's not to late to vote.
 

"v\Very convenient to be able to come down and early vote, so I am not running around on Election Day when I have less time to vote," said Terry Fleming.

Make sure to bring a current picture and signature id when you go to vote.
 

Early Voting:

Dates & Times
Saturday, August 4th and Sunday, August 5th: 10AM - 4PM
Monday, August 6th to Friday, August 10th: 10AM - 6PM
Saturday, August 11th: 10AM - 4PM

Locations
Supervisor of Elections Office
County Administration Building Location
12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL 32601

Millhopper Branch Library
3145 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606

Tower Road Branch Library
3020 SW 75th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608