With the heat index at 94 degrees and climbing, few voters in rural North Central Florida ventured out of their air-conditioned homes and offices to visit polling locations on the morning of Aug. 23.
At many voting sites on the outskirts of deep-blue Alachua County, people barely trickled in on Aug. 23 to cast ballots in the primary election.
Even as the expected lunchtime “rush” began, volunteers waiting to wave signs for favorite candidates had few to woo. But they carried on with painted-on smiles that belied the sweltering conditions.
The blasting heat didn’t stop 84-year-old Mary from coming in to cast a ballot at the community center in High Springs. She declined to use her full name because political discussions have threatened to sever relationships with her three beloved sons and 12 grandchildren….