WFLA

Your Local Election Headquarters: Tampa Bay voters’ guide to Nov. 6 midterm election

Ryan Hughes and WFLA 8 On Your Side Staff

8 On Your Side is your Local Election Headquarters!

We have you covered in the 10 counties in the Tampa Bay area.

In two major races, Gov. Rick Scott faces Sen. Bill Nelson for Nelson’s U.S. Senate seat.  Scott cannot run for governor due to term limits.  Former U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis is taking on Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum to become the next governor of the Sunshine State. Telephone and online polls indicate both races are neck-and-neck.

According to the Florida Division of Elections, more than 5.1 million people have already voted by mail or during the early voting process.  Nationwide, more than 30 million people have already made their voices known, Catalist data shows.

In addition to the statewide races and candidates you’ll vote on, there are 12 amendments to the Florida constitution that are also on the ballot.

Voting locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 6.

Early voting has ended.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Tuesday.  They will not be accepted at polling places on Election Day.  Voters can have their mail ballot canceled if they decide they want to vote in person.

Florida Law requires voters to present photo and signature ID upon entering the polling place and prior to voting.  A voter who appears at a polling place without a proper ID will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.

It can be one form of identification, or two separate, as long as the photo requirement is one from the following list:

• Florida Driver License

• Florida Identification Card

• Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License

• Government Employee ID Card

• Neighborhood Association ID

• Retirement Center ID

• Public Assistance ID

• Department of Veterans Affairs Health ID

• US Passport

• Military ID

• Student ID

• Debit or Credit Card

The name and address of your polling place is on your Voter Information Card.

Here’s a comprehensive list of Tampa Bay area counties where you can vote on Election Day:

Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties are offering free rides to voting sites on the various bus and trolley systems.

8 On Your Side will provide a full day of coverage both on air and across all of our digital platforms.  Please check back here for periodic updates.