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Voter turnout expected to be high

Islanders were to share their presidential preferences Jan. 29.

The state was to hold an early presidential primary Tuesday, which included balloting for the Democratic and Republican candidates for president, as well as a referendum on property tax reform.

Florida’s Republican primary ballot included Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, Duncan Hunter, Alan Keyes, Tom Tancredo and Fred Thompson.

The state’s Democratic primary ballot included John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Christopher J. Dodd, Mike Gravel, Dennis J. Kucinich and William “Bill” Richardson.

Polling was to begin at 7 a.m. Tuesday, after The islander’s press time, and end at 7 p.m. Early voting across the state was expected to set a record this election cycle, suggesting high voter interest in the primary.

In Anna Maria City, the election day approached with 1,427 people registered to vote, including 441 Democrats and 660 Republicans. Voting was to take place at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.

In Bradenton Beach, 818 people were eligible to vote in this week’s primary, including 279 Democrats and 296 Republicans. Voting was to take place at the Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N.

In Holmes Beach, registered voters were assigned to cast ballots at either precinct 92 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, or precinct 93 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive. Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office reported 1,607 people registered in precinct 92, including 449 Democrats and 807 Republicans. In precinct 93, there were 1,666 registered voters, including 485 Democrats and 710 Republicans.

Manatee County’s registered voters include 85,428 Republicans and 63,156 Democrats.

Read The islander’s election coverage, go online at www.islander.org or pick up the Feb. 6 edition of the newspaper.