False Claim: Four Florida Counties with "Zero Results" in Early Voting
A screenshot was shared on social media, claiming that four counties in Florida had "zero results" in early voting, sparking concerns about potential irregularities. However, a closer look at the situation reveals that the claim is unfounded.
The Initial Claim
On October 26, a user on the social media platform Threads posted a screenshot with a timestamp of 8:11 a.m. The screenshot showed a graph with the title "Early Voting by County in FL" and four counties with zero results: Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, and Holmes. The post claimed, "It is FREAKING ME OUT that something underhanded might be happening."
The Reality
The reason why these counties did not have reported results as of 8:11 a.m. October 26 is simple: early voting in these counties began on the same day. In two of the counties, polls were not yet open at 8:11 a.m. The polling places opened and closed as follows:
- Glades: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., October 26 to November 2
- Gulf: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Location 1) and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Location 2), October 26 to November 2
- Hamilton: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., October 26 to November 2
- Holmes: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 26 to November 2
The Facts
As of 8:12 a.m. October 28, the Florida Division of Elections website showed the following vote totals for the four counties:
- Glades: 487
- Gulf: 1,554
- Hamilton: 775
- Holmes: 1,224
Conclusion
Four Florida counties having "zero results" October 26 does not mean "something underhanded might be happening." The claim is simply a misunderstanding of the timing of early voting in these counties. PolitiFact rates this claim as False.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the four counties have "zero results" on October 26?
A: Early voting in these counties began on the same day, and polls were not yet open at 8:11 a.m.
Q: Are there any irregularities in the voting process in these counties?
A: No, there is no evidence to suggest any irregularities in the voting process in these counties.
Q: How did the counties’ vote totals change over time?
A: As of 8:12 a.m. October 28, the Florida Division of Elections website showed the vote totals listed above.
