Gainesville’s referendum over utility control drew 7,588 votes heading into the final day of voting on Tuesday.  

The votes came from early voting (3,523) and vote-by-mail (4,065). It represents a 9% turnout, according to the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office (SOE). 

SOE also reported that 5,267 of the voters were registered with the Democratic Party, versus 1,241 with the Republican Party, 954 with no party affiliation and 126 listed as other.  

In 2024, the Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) referendum totaled 54,256 votes, with 72% in favor of returning control of the utility to the City Commission. It was also an election year, which typically boosts turnout. 

Tuesday’s voting will happen at all precincts within Gainesville’s city limits. Polls will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

While a judge denied a temporary injunction last week, GRU officials plan to file an Emergency Writ to Preserve Jurisdiction after the election finishes Tuesday night. 

If approved by the Florida First District Court of Appeals, the motion would keep the GRU Authority in charge until the courts settle questions raised during the first referendum, like whether the City Commission has the power to issue a referendum that undoes an action by the Florida Legislature.