Election officials estimate that about 135,000 of the county’s roughly 655,000 registered voters will vote early. Of 45,000 vote-by-mail ballots sent to voters, about 13,000 had been returned as of Oct. 19.

Two polling locations have been added for this election: one on the Edward Waters University campus and another at the Dallas James Graham Branch Library. Voters going to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office can use free parking in the surrounding area, officials said.

Alachua, Flagler, Putnam and Bradford counties began early voting Monday. St. Johns County is scheduled to open Oct. 21, Nassau County on Oct. 22, and Clay County on Oct. 23. Baker County’s early voting period is listed as beginning Oct. 24. The listed closing dates are Oct. 31 for those counties.

Voters must bring an acceptable photo identification document that includes a signature. Examples include a Florida identification card, driver’s license or U.S. passport.

The ballot includes a proposed property-tax measure, Amendment 3. Duval resident Chris expressed concern about whether the measure could leave a revenue shortfall during an economic downturn. Another resident, Michael Beldon, said he hoped elected representatives would act on voters’ priorities.

Local civic engagement leader Pat McCollough urged residents to participate, saying, “Duval, let’s show up and make our voices heard through our vote.” Get-out-the-vote rallies ahead of the opening were held by the Duval County Republican Party, the Supervisor of Elections office, All Voting Is Local and partner organizations.