Supervisor of Elections outlines low turnout in September primary, schedules December special election and returns unspent funds

Denise Lavancher, Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, told commissioners Oct. 28 that the Sept. 30 special Republican primary for State Senate District 11 drew 7.28% turnout among Hernando County’s 68,034 registered voters. She said the results were certified, and that a countywide special election to choose between the two nominated candidates will be held Dec. 9, with polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Lavancher outlined the early‑voting schedule the office will offer: early voting begins Nov. 29 and runs eight days through the following Saturday, with weekend hours 9 a.m.–5 p.m. She reminded the public that the deadline to request vote‑by‑mail ballots is Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.

The supervisor said county staff had requested emergency funding earlier in the cycle to cover expected costs for the primary and special election; the board approved $516,103 for the primary, and the elections office will return $351,681.90 to the county because budgeted funds exceeded actual expenses. Lavancher thanked commissioners who served on the canvassing board for the primary and encouraged residents to vote in December.

Commissioners praised the elections office for its diligence and discussed typical turnout patterns for primaries. Lavancher said when the race was confirmed as a Republican closed primary the office reduced printing and mailing to Republican ballots only, which lowered costs substantially compared with an open or countywide primary.

Ending: Lavancher urged eligible voters to request vote‑by‑mail by Nov. 27 if needed and to use scheduled early voting dates; the supervisor’s office will provide polling‑site and ballot‑request details ahead of the Dec. 9 election.