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Florida moved up its primary and was penalized by both parties, but that hasn�t stopped a surge of Floridians from voting. As Whitney Ray tells us, the historical significance of the presidential preference primary has voters rushing to the polls.
Hear it Here: No Delegates, No Problems

The phone was ringing off the hook at the Secretary of States voter hotline center, Tuesday. Independents wanted to know, why they couldn�t vote for a presidential candidate and democrats wanting to know if their votes will even be counted. The Democratic Party lost all its delegates because of the early primary.

�Their vote will be counted,� said Sterling Ivey, spokesperson for the Secretary of State. �Whether the state party and national party acknowledges the election in Florida, that�s for the state and national party to determine.�

The implications of Florida�s primary go beyond delegates at the national conventions for most voters. Despite the party losing its delegates, democrats said they want their voices heard. Almost half a million voted early. Democrats and Republicans said this election is one for the history books.

�It�s so diverse for the first time,� Republican Udora Hogge said. �There�s a women on the ballot.�

�To have an actual African American presidential candidate that so many people are supporting is amazing,� said Annette Ponder, who cast her vote for Barack Obama.

Despite the penalty, Florida Democrats are still recruiting all their delegates, hoping they get a say. The Democratic National Convention will be held in August. The Republican Convention will be held about a week later in September.