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    <title>Election 2026</title>
    <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/news/election-2026</link>
    <description>Election 2026</description>
    <copyright>Copyright Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.</copyright>
    <lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:02 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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      <title>Tampa Bay area voter guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 Election</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/news/election-2026/tampa-bay-area-voter-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-the-2026-election</link>
      <description>The 2026 primary and general elections are here. Tampa Bay 28 has all you need to know, from polling places to how to register to vote.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:42:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>WFTS Digital Staff</author>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/news/election-2026/tampa-bay-area-voter-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-the-2026-election</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/election-2026/tampa-bay-area-voter-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-the-2026-election">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            <p>The 2026 primary and general elections are here. Tampa Bay 28 has all you need to know, from polling places to how to register to vote.</p><p><b>When is the election?</b></p><p>The Primary Election will be held on<b> Aug. 18, 2026</b></p><p>The General Election will be held on <b>Nov. 3, 2026</b></p><p>Special elections and local elections can be called at any time during the year. To view your countys elections, check the <a href="https://dos.elections.myflorida.com/calendar/" target="_blank">Local Elections Database</a>.</p><p><b>Am I a registered voter?</b></p><p>If you're not sure if you are registered to vote in the state of Florida, you can find that information on the <a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/for-voters/check-your-voter-status-and-polling-place/" target="_blank">Florida Division of Elections website</a>.</p><p>The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is <b>Oct. 5, 2026</b></p><p><b>Can I change my party affiliation?</b></p><p>Yes, you can switch your party affiliation on the <a href="https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home" target="_blank">Florida elections website</a>. You can change your party affiliation at any time, but it must be done 29 days before a Primary Election in order to be valid for that election.</p><p><b>How do I vote by mail?</b></p><p>If you'd like to vote by mail instead of going to the polls, you must request a vote-by-mail ballot by 5 p.m. on the following dates:</p> General Election: <b>Aug. 6, 2026</b><p>To request your vote-by-mail ballot through the county you are registered to vote in. To check your status <a href="https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home">here</a></p><p><b>Is early voting available?</b></p><p>Yes, early voting is available. County-by-county early voting dates for the primary and general election:</p> <a href="https://www.votecitrus.gov/Early-Voting/2022-Early-Voting-Sites-and-Schedule" target="_blank">Citrus</a>     Primary: August 7 to 15   General: Oct. 22 to 31   <a href="https://www.votedesoto.com/Election-Info/Early-Voting" target="_blank">DeSoto</a>     Primary: August 8 to 15   General: Oct. 22 to 31   <a href="https://www.hardeecountyelections.com/Upcoming-Elections" target="_blank">Hardee</a>     Primary: August 6 to 15   General: Oct. 22 to 31   <a href="https://www.hernandovotes.gov/Ways-to-Vote/Vote-Early" target="_blank">Hernando</a>     Primary: August 8 to 15   General: Oct. 22 to 31   <a href="https://www.votehighlands.com/m/Early-Voting" target="_blank">Highlands</a>     Primary: August 6 to 15   <a href="https://www.votehillsborough.gov/VOTERS/Early-Voting" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a>     Primary: August 3 to 16   General: Oct. 19 to Nov. 1   <a href="https://www.votemanatee.com/m/Vote-By-Mail-Early-Voting/Early-Voting" target="_blank">Manatee</a>     Primary: August 8 to 16   <a href="https://www.pascovotes.gov/Early-Voting/Early-Voting-Schedule" target="_blank">Pasco</a>     Primary: August 8 to 15   General: Oct. 19 to 31   <a href="https://www.votepinellas.gov/Election-Information/Early-Voting" target="_blank">Pinellas</a>     Primary: August 8 to 15   General: Oct. 19 to Nov. 1   <a href="https://www.polkelections.com/Events/2024-General-Election" target="_blank">Polk</a>     Primary: August 8 to 15   <a href="https://www.sarasotavotes.gov/ql4" target="_blank">Sarasota</a>     August 8 to 16  <p><b>What and where is my voting precinct?</b></p><p>The precinct you live in determines which races will be on your ballot and where you vote.</p><p>To find your precinct within your county, <a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/for-voters/check-your-voter-status-and-polling-place/voter-precinct-lookup/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p><p><b>What do I take with me to vote?</b></p><p>Florida law requires all voters to provide a current and valid photo and signature identification upon check-in prior to voting in person.</p><p>Accepted Forms of ID:</p> Florida driver license Florida ID card (issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) U.S. passport Debit or credit card Military ID Student ID Retirement center ID Neighborhood association ID Public assistance ID Veteran health ID (issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) Concealed weapon license (issued pursuant to F.S. 790.06) Employee ID card issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the federal government, the state, a county or a municipality.<p>If your photo ID does not contain your signature, an additional ID with your signature is required.</p><p><b>Who is my Supervisor of Elections?</b></p><p>ABC Action News has compiled a list of the Supervisor of Elections in the Tampa Bay area. For the most up-to-date voting information, contact your County Supervisor of Elections.</p> Citrus - <a href="https://www.votecitrus.com/" target="_blank">https://www.votecitrus.com/</a> DeSoto - <a href="https://www.votedesoto.com/" target="_blank">https://www.votedesoto.com/</a> Hardee - <a href="https://www.hardeecountyelections.com/" target="_blank">https://www.hardeecountyelections.com/</a> Hernando - <a href="https://www.hernandovotes.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.hernandovotes.gov/</a> Highlands- <a href="https://www.votehighlands.gov/">https://www.votehighlands.gov/</a> Hillsborough - <a href="https://www.votehillsborough.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.votehillsborough.gov/</a> Manatee - <a href="https://www.votemanatee.com/" target="_blank">https://www.votemanatee.com/</a> Pasco - <a href="https://www.pascovotes.gov/index.php">https://www.pascovotes.gov/index.php</a> Pinellas - <a href="https://www.votepinellas.com/" target="_blank">https://www.votepinellas.com/</a> Polk - <a href="https://www.polkelections.com/" target="_blank">https://www.polkelections.com/</a> Sarasota - <a href="https://www.sarasotavotes.com/" target="_blank">https://www.sarasotavotes.com/</a>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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      <title>Meet the candidates: Questionnaire for Bradenton City Council Ward 4</title>
      <link>https://www.tampabay28.com/news/election-2026/meet-the-candidates-questionnaire-for-bradenton-city-council-ward-4</link>
      <description>Leading up to the 2026 Florida primary (August 19) and general election (Nov. 3), Tampa Bay 28 contacted qualified candidates for Bradenton City Council Ward 4.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:40:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>WFTS Digital Staff</author>
      <guid>https://www.tampabay28.com/news/election-2026/meet-the-candidates-questionnaire-for-bradenton-city-council-ward-4</guid>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<html lang="en">    <head>        <meta charset="utf-8">        <meta property="op:markup_version" content="v1.0">                    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.tampabay28.com/news/election-2026/meet-the-candidates-questionnaire-for-bradenton-city-council-ward-4">                <meta property="fb:article_style" content="default">    </head>            <p>Leading up to the 2026 Florida primary (August 19) and general election (Nov. 3), Tampa Bay 28 contacted qualified candidates for Bradenton City Council Ward 4. We asked candidates the same three questions and asked for responses to be provided by July 17. These are the candidates' responses to the questionnaire.</p><b>Keith Green</b><b>Why are you running for office?</b><p>I am running for Bradenton City Council because I believe public service is about putting our community first. Since 2022, I have proudly served on the Bradenton City Planning Commission, including serving as Vice Chair during the 2025 calendar year. Those experiences have given me the knowledge and leadership needed to address the complex issues that impact the quality of life for Bradenton residents.</p><p>I am committed to bringing fresh energy, thoughtful leadership, and practical ideas to the dais. Together, we can make decisions that strengthen our neighborhoods, improve our infrastructure, support public safety, and move our city forward while preserving what makes Bradenton a great place to live, work, and raise a family.</p><b>In your own words, what differentiates you from your opponents?</b><p>What sets me apart in this race is my proven record of public service and experience in city government.&nbsp;</p><p>I am also honored to have earned the endorsement of the Manatee Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 70 for the Bradenton City Council Ward 4 race. I am grateful for their confidence in my commitment to public safety and responsible leadership.</p><p>I believe Bradenton deserves a council member who brings experience, thoughtful leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to serving our community from day one.</p><b>Explain what you see as the most important issue facing our community and how are you uniquely qualified to address that issue?</b><p>One of the most important issues facing Bradenton is our aging infrastructure. I appreciate that this challenge is being addressed through the Mayor's "Face It and Fix It" initiative, and many of these critical infrastructure projects are taking place in Ward 4. It is essential that we continue investing in the maintenance and modernization of our roads, utilities, and public infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing community.</p><p>Traffic congestion is another issue that affects Bradenton residents every day, particularly during the downtown commute. We need practical, common-sense solutions that improve traffic flow while planning responsibly for future growth. By fostering strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, we can identify innovative solutions, secure resources, and deliver meaningful results that improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Bradenton.</p><b>Lisa Gonzalez Moore</b><figure> <img src="https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/84/6e/d44f4e954d4a93f28b244763687e/screenshot-2026-07-20-202331.png"></figure><b>Why are you running for office?</b><p>My first term began with a desire to improve the road and drainage conditions within my neighborhood, and has blossomed into a passion for moving the City of Bradenton forward as we tackle issues related to aged infrastructure and creating a more vibrant downtown. &nbsp;I see a second term as an opportunity to continue the work on the momentum that I have helped build in the past four years. &nbsp;</p><b>In your own words, what differentiates you from your opponents?</b><p>I have been a resident of Manatee County for over 25 years and of Ward 4 for over 16 years. &nbsp;I walked along side my community during the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton to Ward 4. &nbsp;One of my notable strengths that I bring to Council include an ability to build relationships and collaborate with residents, staff, and fellow Councilmembers with honesty and transparency. &nbsp;Residents have come to depend on my contribution to Council as one that probes other viewpoints in a professional manner and engages in challenging conversations in order to get to the best result for the City.&nbsp;</p><b>Explain what you see as the most important issue facing our community and how are you uniquely qualified to address that issue?</b><p>Facing the damage from the 2024 storm season only reinforced the danger of ignoring the Citys state of infrastructure.&nbsp;Increasing resiliency in our stormwater and sewer treatment facility and collection systems is critical to the health of our community and lays the foundation for issues facing the City such as economic redevelopment of our downtown, including how to maintain local businesses and encourage work force grown in the immediate area. &nbsp;This involves sourcing funding for those kind of investments. That type of fiscal planning requires leaders that can face the complexity behind how we prioritize projects and maintenance for the long term growth of our City. My combined service on relevant councils and boards equips me to tackle policy making that modernizes Bradentons infrastructure systems in a fiscally conservative and responsible manner.</p>All responses to Tampa Bay 28's questionnaire were submitted formally by the candidates. <p>&nbsp;</p>    </html>]]></content:encoded>
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