The race is on for the 2020 presidential election.
Fox 4 spoke with local experts as they break down what’s to come from President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden as the election nears.
“This is going to be a different election, Florida is up for grabs and we’re grabbing for it, ” said Gabriele Spuckes, Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County.
Florida Gulf Coast University Professor Peter Bergerson, expecting both candidates to ramp up campaigning efforts in the coming weeks.
“You can expect a lot of money and a lot of campaigning, ” said Bergerson.
Florida holds 29 electoral college votes, Bergerson says whichever candidate wins the state of Florida will likely win the election.
“The nation will be focusing on Florida as well as perhaps five or six other states, ” said Bergerson.
In the 2016 presidential election Southwest Florida voted largely Republican, with over 60% of the vote.
Democrats captured about 35% of local voters.
Experts say this time around, may be different as people switch parties and some are still undecided.
“The number of voters who really haven't made up their mind is probably 10% of those who will cast their ballot, ” said Bergerson.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers are working to get votes in.
“We are usually number one or two in the state for voter turn out, last time we were 91%, ” said Russel Tuff, Chair of the Collier County GOP.
He is confident in their ability to bring voters out.
“I’ve got an organized group, we’ve got more people on the ground in areas where we need to have them, ” said Spuckes.
Spuckes says all hands are on deck as we near the election.
“We are getting lots of people volunteering, they are excited they are willing to help in any way they can, ” said Spuckes.
The deadline to register to vote for this upcoming election is Monday, October 5th.
Elections officials are also pushing for people to vote early and to vote by mail.
For more information head to dos.myflorida.com
