ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Early voting is set to commence this Saturday in Pinellas County, marking the start of a crucial period for the St. Petersburg mayoral election. Candidates are actively urging residents to take advantage of early voting or cast their ballots on Primary Election Day.
A political action committee known as St. Pete Shines, which supports former Governor and Representative Charlie Crist’s bid for mayor, has released survey results focusing on vote-by-mail participants. The committee’s news release highlighted a strong early voting turnout for Crist, with Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard trailing behind.
“It would be remarkable for one candidate to secure more than 50% of the vote in a six-person race,” Crist commented, considering the diverse field of contenders.
The release further noted that if Crist maintains his current level of support, an outright victory on August 18 is plausible, potentially eliminating the need for a runoff.
Addressing the survey’s findings, Crist remarked, “Polls can be unpredictable. A positive poll boosts morale, while a negative one can be discouraging. Although the recent poll is optimistic, I remain cautiously hopeful.”
That poll that was conducted on July 28 also shows Crist leading with 45% of the vote and Mayor Ken Welch at 30%.
“I think you said it in the first few words is their poll, produced by St. Pete Shines. That particular polling outfit has been off as much as 30 points on my races in the past,” Welch said.
The incumbent mayor questions the data and therefore is not paying attention to it.
“That’s why they have the election day so folks can go out and vote,” Welch said.
Mayoral Candidate Kevin Batdorf also does not believe the poll released by the political committee.
“That’s politics for you. I have to say I hate politics, but it’s good for a laugh,” Batdorf said.
Batdorf then joked about releasing a poll himself.
“I came out with my own poll. My poll says I get 52% of the vote in the primary,” Batdorf said.
Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard released a statement:
I am not interested in providing any response to a poll put out by another campaign and the media source they are utilizing to spread a narrative that this race is already decided. I am working every day alongside my supporters to reach voters in every corner of our city. That is our focus and we look forward to the residents making their voice heard on August 18.
Early voting in Pinellas County starts this Saturday through August 16.