Senator Jack Latvala is concerned about how the current trends in absentee voting bode for local Republicans.
“During the first two weeks of mail voting, for the first time in anyone’s memory in Pinellas more Democrats returned absentee ballots than Republicans,” Latvala writes in a flier being widely distributed throughout the county. “If we want to win on November 6, we must turn that around!”
To bolster the GOP’s efforts, Latvala has put his mouth — and his donuts — where his mouth is. The longtime GOP stalwart and senior Senator is calling on all Republicans to participate in “Donuts for Democracy” – a ballot-casting event where voters can meet their elected Republican leaders, drop-off ballots, and have coffee and donuts.
Latvala has coordinated with other elected Republican leaders to host mini-rallies at strategically located points throughout the county. Voters will receive free coffee and donuts when they drop off their ballot at any of the locations listed below.
The events will run from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
In Clearwater, the host is Representative Ed Hooper, who will be at the Pinellas County Courthouse (315 Court Street).
In East Lake, the host is Sheriff Bob Gualtieri (but just from 10:00 a.m. – noon), who will be at the East Lake Community Library (4125 East Lake Rd. in Palm Harbor).
In Largo, the host is Representative Larry Ahern, who will be at the Starkey Lakes Corporate Center (13001 Starkey Rd.)
And in Oldsmar, the host is Commissioner Neil Brickfield, who will be at Oldsmar Public Library, (400 St. Petersburg Dr., E.).
