‘You’ve got to vote’: Why this election feels different for Duval County voters

The first time Ron Van Johnson voted at 18, he remembers feeling good about exercising his constitutional right.Decades later, the Army veteran says voting carries a different weight.“Now it’s like, ‘Ohhh, you’ve got to make sure you have a constitutional right, so you’ve got to vote,’” Van Johnson said.After 32 years in the Army, Van Johnson says the future of his country is one reason he makes sure his vote counts.“It’s very difficult these days for people with what has been going on, in fear of losing their democracy and losing our democracy,” Van Johnson said.For other Duval County voters, the decision to cast a ballot early comes down to making their voices heard, paying attention to the issues and finding time in busy schedules.VOTER’S GUIDE: Check out info on the candidates and local referendums on your ballotLauryn Winder said she worries that some young people don’t take elections seriously enough, particularly when a presidential race isn’t on the ballot.“I just think it’s im