There are over 237,000 folks eligible to vote in the runoff Tampa mayoral contest between former police chief Jane Castor and millionaire philanthropist David A. Straz. Just 48,881 of them voted in the March 5 primary, and we're hoping at least that many will be accounted for when polls finally close on April 23 (as of Monday morning, more than 36,000 had already cast a ballot via early and mail-in voting).
Looking to cast a ballot and participate in municipal politics? Good for you.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, and here's how to vote in the election.
- Check your eligibility.
- Find your precinct — you must vote at your precinct on election day.
- Round up two forms of ID that include your signature and photo (think: Florida driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, etc.).
- Follow the instructions from election officials at the polling place (they’re most likely volunteers, so be nice OK?).
You may also turn your vote-by-mail ballot in at the County Center in downtown (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor) or at election offices in Riverview (10020 South U.S. Hwy. 301) and Tampa (2514 North Falkenburg Rd.; 4575 Gunn Hwy.).
Former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor leads the polls, and her opponent has already spent more than $5 million of his own money to try and beat her. And if 2016 is any indication, you all know that anything can happen on election night.
We joke that it'll all "be over" by the time we go to sleep on Tuesday, but now is really the time to hold the winner's feet to the fire and make sure she keeps her campaign promises.
Stay on top of Tampa Bay news and views. Sign up for our weekly newsletters.
This article appears in Apr 18-25, 2019.
