The voter registration deadline for Tampa's 2023 municipal election is February 6

Time and again, it's been argued that local elections are just as important, if not more important, than national ones.

So, Tampeños, it's time to make sure that you're registered to vote before Feb. 6, so you can participate in the local democratic process. A lot is at stake. Local leaders decide  on how city funds are spent,  zoning, public safety issues and more.

Early voting begins on Feb. 27 and ends on March 5. Election day is Tuesday, March 7, with the polls closing at 7 p.m.

If you need to register to vote, you can do so through the Hillsborough County website. Also, keep an eye out for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay's endorsement guide coming out later this month.

Here are the local candidates who are currently qualified to run for office:

Mayor

• Jane Castor (incumbent)
• Belinda Noah

City Council

District 1

• Sonja P Brookins
• Joseph Citro (incumbent)
• Alan Clendenin
• Chase Harrison

District 2

• Michael Derewenko
• Guido Maniscalco
• Gary Pruitt
  Robin Lockett

District 3

• Lynn Hurtak (incumbent)
• Janet Cruz Rifkin
• George “Thehunted” Feshev
• Gwendolyn Henderson
• Jose N. Vázquez

District 4

• Bill Carlson

District 5

• Orlando L. Gudes (incumbent)
• Cornelius Hamilton
• Evelyn Jané-Marie McBride
• Jeffrey L. Rhodes

District 6

• Hoyt L. Prindle III
• Rick Fifer
• Tyler Barrett

District 7

• Luis E. Viera (incumbent)