PORT RICHEY, FL -- Early voting begins today (Saturday, 8th) in two special elections. But voters eligible for one of them will have to drive 20 miles if they want to cast a ballot this weekend.
Port Richey voters are choosing a mayor. But the nearest location offering early voting this weekend is the Central Pasco Government Center, 22 miles away in Land O' Lakes.
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley says the six municipalities in the county long ago decided against pushing early voting in favor of election-day voting and mail ballots. There are no designated early voting locations inside the city of Port Richey. However, voters may cast a ballot at Port Richey City Hall during business hours the week of June 10th. They may also vote at the nearby West Pasco Government Center on Little Road on weekdays. Port Richey City Hall is also the location of the city's only election-day precinct.
Corley says the early voting locations are actually set up for the other special election... the vote in State House District 38 to replace Danny Burgess, appointed to run the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Republican Randy Maggard faces Democrat Kelly Smith in that race.
Voters in Port Richey are choosing a mayor after former mayor Dale Massad was arrested and removed from office . Pasco deputies say Massad shot at them as they tried to arrest him on drug charges. Acting mayor Terrence Rowe was also arrested.
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