Orlando is one of the largest and most diverse cities in Florida, with a population of over 2.6 million people in the metropolitan area. It is best known for its tourism industry, as it hosts some of the world’s most popular attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. But Orlando is also a hub for education, health care, technology and entertainment, with many colleges, universities, hospitals and media outlets based in the city.
Orlando is also a political battleground that can decide the outcome of statewide and national elections. Across all types of political contests in Orlando, including state, local and presidential elections, races come within five percentage points 21% of the time1. In 2016, Donald Trump won Florida by a narrow margin of 1.2%, but he lost Orange County (where Orlando is located) by 24.7%. In 2020, Joe Biden won Florida by a slightly larger margin of 3%, but he also lost Orange County by 23%.
Orlando’s political landscape is dynamic and complex, reflecting the diversity and growth of the city and its surroundings. As more people move to Central Florida from other parts of the country and the world, they bring their own political views and values with them. Orlando’s politics will continue to evolve and shape the future of Florida and the nation.
If you are an eligible voter in Orlando, you need to know how to participate in the upcoming elections and make your voice heard. Here are some of the key steps and aspects of election in Orlando that you need to know:
- Check your eligibility: To vote in Orlando, you need to be a US citizen, a resident of Orange County (where Orlando is located), at least 18 years old on or before Election Day and registered to vote at least 29 days before Election Day. You also need to have a valid photo ID with signature when you vote in person. You can check your registration status, update your information or register online at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website2.
- Know your ballot: Depending on where you live in Orlando, you may have different candidates and issues on your ballot. You can view your sample ballot online at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website2 or request a paper copy by mail. You can also find information about the candidates and issues on various websites such as Ballotpedia3, Vote4114 or VoteSmart5.
- Choose your method: You have three options to vote in Orlando: by mail, early or on Election Day. To vote by mail, you need to request a vote-by-mail ballot online or by phone at least 10 days before Election Day. You can track the status of your ballot online or sign up for BallotTrax2 to receive notifications by text or email. You need to return your ballot by mail or drop it off at a secure drop box by 7 p.m. on Election Day. To vote early, you can visit any early voting site in Orange County from October 25 to October 312. You need to bring your photo ID with signature when you vote early. To vote on Election Day, you need to go to your assigned polling place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 22. You need to bring your photo ID with signature when you vote on Election Day.
- Know your rights: As a voter in Orlando, you have certain rights and responsibilities that are protected by law. You have the right to vote without intimidation or harassment; to request assistance or accommodation if you have a disability or language barrier; to cast a provisional ballot if your eligibility is in question; to report any problems or complaints to the election officials or authorities; and to be informed about the election results and procedures. You also have the responsibility to register and update your information; to review your ballot and make sure it is correct; to follow the instructions and rules at the voting site; and to respect other voters and election workers.
Election in Orlando is an important and exciting opportunity for you to exercise your civic duty and influence the direction of your city, state and country. By following these steps and aspects of election in Orlando, you can vote confidently and effectively in the upcoming elections.
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