Voters who cast early ballots Friday at the Venetian Center at Venetian Gardens say no single issue, including the proposed statewide amendments, spurred their visit.

“We always vote,” many said. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have concerns.

“We voted for making some changes, state and national,” says Malcolm Cheney, who voted with his wife, Jacquelyne. They cite “corruption and affordability” as key issues.

“We want to change governors,” Ron Fisher says.

He cited Democratic TV ads that claim $10 million sent by Gov. Ron DeSantis was “misappropriated” and sent to a political committee.

DeSantis is term-limited. Republican Byron Donalds is running against Democrat David Jolly.

Not everyone agrees with the idea of change.

“Keep Florida free,” Steven Goodrow says. “I’m against government raising taxes.”

Republican ads claim Jolly would raise taxes.

One of the most talked about proposed changes across the state is Amendment 3.

It would increase the homestead property tax exemption for all non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 and adjust for inflation after that.

County sheriffs have come out against it, saying it will result in budget cuts and reduced services for first responders.

“I voted against it because it will not do what it says it will do,” says Ray, who did not want to give his last name.

He says some voters may not pay attention to the fact that it does not affect school taxes.

Some have speculated that counties and municipalities will levy more taxes and fees to make up the difference. Others worry that services like libraries will bear the brunt of the shortfall.

Amid the campaign ads and debate, some voters, like Ray, who wore a T-shirt celebrating America’s 250th birthday, say they are there simply to exercise their right to vote.

For Jacquelyne Perry, an African-American woman who lives in Leesburg, voting carries family history.

“My father made sure we voted,” she says. Her father, born in 1921 in South Carolina, fought for his country in World War II, she says.

“He was not allowed to vote when he came back,” she says. “He insisted that his children and grandchildren turn out at the polls.”

“He was 97 when he passed. He lived long enough to see a black man elected president.”

According to the Lake County Supervisor of Elections, the county has 278,944 registered voters.

Supervisor of Elections Alan Hays says 25,919 voters cast ballots by Friday afternoon.

“We’re averaging 5,000 per day,” he says. “We’ve had 17,000 return ballots by mail.”

He did not have early voting statistics from other elections on hand for comparison, or any feedback from voters about what spurred them to vote.

“We’re just glad they’re voting,” Hays says.

Election Day is Nov. 3.