IT'S TOO LATE, AND PLANNING FOR EARLY VOTING

While I didn't mention it on this space Tuesday, it is now too late for anyone to register to vote in the November 7 general election. The deadline passed at the end of business yesterday.

And if you live in Polk County and plan to vote early, there will be six sites across the county where you will be able to do so. The early voting period extends from October 23 through November 4, and the sites will be open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM

--- Bartow City Hall - 450 North Wilson Avenue
--- Davenport City Hall/Community Center - 5 Allapaha Avenue
--- Lake Wales Public Library - 290 Cypress Garden Lane
--- Lakeland Branch Government Center - 930 East Parker Street (former Searstown Shopping Center)
--- Larry R. Jackson Public Library Branch - 1700 North Florida Avenue, Lakeland
--- Winter Haven Branch Government Center - 3425 Lake Alfred Road (former State Farm Insurance Regional Headquarters Building)

And one bit of trivia for you number crunchers: Here are the very latest active voter stats (as of October 3) from the office of Lori Edwards, Polk County Supervisor of Elections:

Democrats: 121,597 (41.64%)
Republican: 113,463 (38.85%)
NPA/Minor Parties: 56,983 (19.51%)
Total: 292,043