SUMMARY: In Florida, early voter turnout reached 5.35 million, a 38.14% increase from 2016. Mail-in voting saw 2.83 million ballots cast, marking a 3.74% rise since the last presidential election. Elections officials mailed 3.53 million ballots, up from 3.35 million in 2016. However, mail-in ballots are down 26.9% compared to 2020’s pandemic peak. Among mail-in votes, 34.9% were by Republicans and 41.7% by Democrats. Early voting included 2.55 million Republicans and 1.51 million Democrats. Data is updated daily by the Florida Secretary of State‘s office, with early voting beginning on October 22.

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SUMMARY: In this tropical weather update, meteorologist Greg D discusses potential Tropical Cyclone 18, expected to become Hurricane Raphael later today or by early Tuesday. The storm is projected to pass near Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba, likely reaching category 1 status before entering the Gulf of Mexico. The storm’s track will determine the impact on Florida’s west coast, with minimal effects if it follows the western cone. However, if it shifts east, rain is expected Tuesday night through Thursday. Raphael may weaken to a tropical storm as it approaches the Gulf Coast due to adverse conditions. Another area of low pressure also shows potential for development.

ABC Action News tracks tropical developments in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

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SUMMARY: Early voting has concluded in South Florida, with significant turnout reported. In Miami-Dade County, around 870,000 ballots have been cast, representing 57% of eligible voters, with 33,000 more Republicans voting than Democrats. Broward County saw approximately 680,000 votes, nearing 60% turnout, with Democrats outpacing Republicans by 157,000. Monroe County had about 31,000 voters, reaching 61% turnout, with Republicans leading by 6,300 votes. Voters expressed enthusiasm for participating. On Election Day, polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and those in line by 7 p.m. will be able to vote. A detailed ballot breakdown is expected later.

Morgan Rynor reports around 7.8 million people — 56.6% of Florida’s registered voters — have already cast their ballots for the Nov. 5 election.

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