Fla. panhandle preps for Election Day

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Escambia County has already seen more than 40,000 people cast their ballots since early voting went on from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3.

With one day left until the general election day, Republican and Democratic rally supporters are making one last push for their candidates.

Ellison Bennett with the Escambia County Democratic Party said much effort has gone into preparing for Nov. 6.

“We've done a lot of calling and talking to friends. We've been sending emails and we've had people stopping by the office. They've been asking for info on the amendments. We’re just giving people information,” said Bennett.

Jamie Montero with the Escambia County Republican Party said they've reached out to Republicans throughout the area.

“We’re basically trying to get people out to vote. We want to make sure other Republicans in the area haven’t forgotten their ballots or forgotten their registration. We want to make sure they know where they’re going to vote,” Montero said.

Supporters from both parties said a large part of preparing is manning the phones and attempting to inform voters who are still undecided.

Republican supporters said their ground team was out all day today visiting with folks in the county.

“We’re making sure if they have any questions about the five-point plan of Mr. Romney, or where he came from. If they ask questions about his family or what he’s done for the community, we have answers for them,” said Montero.

Democrats said they plan to take to the sidewalks this afternoon and spread the word.

“We’re asking people to look at what President Obama had to walk into – two wars and a bad economy. He could not have straightened everything out in four years, that's impossible,” Bennett said.

But it isn’t just political parties preparing for what should be a whirlwind election day.

Supervisor of Elections David Stafford said preparations began months ago but they are still taking precautions.

“We’ll actually pull in more people tomorrow to staff up our phone bank. They’ll field the calls, not only from the public but from our polling locations,” said Stafford.

Still, folks said despite who wins, they’re just excited to have their voice heard.

“I’m so pumped up about it. We get a chance as people – no matter how rich or poor you are – to cast our vote for the president of our choice,” Bennett said.

Polls in Escambia County open up Nov. 6 at 7 a. m.

Officials stress for voters to know what precinct they should vote in. For more information, you can visit Escambiavotes.com .