Turnout passes 5.2 million; Democrats cling to slight lead

Election day in Florida dawned with Democrats clinging to a slight overall advantage in early ballots cast. As polls opened across the state, Florida headed toward an all-time record for votes cast in a midterm election.

As mail ballots continued to arrive at elections offices across the state, the vote tally reached 5.2 million overnight.

Democrats maintained a small advantage, 40.5 percent to 40.1 percent, or about 22,000 ballots cast. The independent and minor party share of the overall turnout reached 19.4 percent.