COMMENTARY: The Next Elections Forecasted for Collier County will be in 2016

Collier County, Fla. - October 22, 2015: Traditionally, the start of fall signifies two things: elections and Thanksgiving. Although Thanksgiving comes to us yearly, elections occurring every year can be dependent on a multitude of circumstances.

In Collier County, we generally host elections during even numbered years. Every four years, we cast our ballots for our President – among other offices – and two years later, we vote for our Governor and State Representatives during the “mid-term” elections. One exception to this is that during odd numbered years, we host a municipal election for Everglades City.

Under rare circumstances, we may also hold a Special Election. Special Elections only occur when an elected official resigns from office or has passed away. In most instances, voters who are affected by Special Elections fall within one confined area such as a Congressional District or Fire District. In the past 10 years, our office has only hosted three unplanned Special Elections.

The next elections forecasted for Collier County voters will take place in 2016 and will start with the Presidential Preference Primary in March. There are three ways to vote in the State of Florida: Vote by Mail, Early Voting and Election Day. The most convenient method of casting a ballot is voting by mail. Mail ballots will be distributed by our office approximately 35 days prior to the election and voters can easily submit a ballot request from our website at www.CollierVotes.com. Early Voting will be held daily between March 5 and March 12 from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. During this time, voters can visit any of our eight early voting locations to cast their ballot. Election Day will take place on March 15 and is the last opportunity to vote in the Presidential Preference Primary Election. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and voters must vote in their assigned precinct.

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