It took much more than a slight touch to cast votes on one of the machines at the Oldsmar City Hall precinct. When a simple tap wouldn’t do, one voter had to resort to popping the screen with one of her knuckles. Finally, a poll worker walked over, asked if there was a problem and gave the voter an unsharpened pencil and suggested using the eraser to tap the screen.

Alternating light rain and downpours wasn’t enough to keep a Gus Bilirakis backer from strolling outside the Oldsmar polling place and displaying a campaign sign. But he was nearly alone in his efforts. Evidently, the weather kept other candidates’ supporters from staking out city hall and smiling and waving at voters.

The Oldsmar City Hall polling place was packed. Voters were waiting in line. Inside, the din of conversation apparently disturbed one middle-aged man. His request for silence wasn’t subtle. He raised his voice — loudly — and insisted everyone shut up so he could concentrate.—Annette Mardis

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