(By Lee County Supervisor of Elections Jenna Persons-Mulicka) The electoral process is foundational to our constitutional republic. For nearly two and a half centuries, Americans have upheld this process by exercising their right to vote.
As we celebrate 250 years of America this Fourth of July, let us all get excited about exercising this constitutional right, knowing that every vote helps define the future of our communities.
I am proud to serve as a steward of this process, and, as your Supervisor of Elections, I am committed to ensuring every eligible voter has the resources needed to participate in the upcoming elections.
The 2026 election cycle begins with the primary election on August 18, followed by the general election on November 3.
In both elections this year, you will have the opportunity to vote for your representatives at every level of government.
While the general election gets the most attention, voters should know that participating in the primary is just as important. In Lee County, several races will be decided in the primary, including two school board seats and the Lee County Commission District 5 seat.
That is why I encourage you to take part in the process and make a plan to vote.
As you prepare to participate, remember that you have three convenient ways to cast a ballot: by mail, early in person, or on Election Day.
Please also keep in mind that Florida is a closed primary state. If you wish to vote in a party’s primary election, you must be a registered member of that party. Florida law allows you to make changes to your party affiliation, as long as the change is completed at least 29 days before the primary election.
An exception to the closed primary rule is a universal primary contest. This occurs when all candidates in a race are from the same political party and face no opposition in the general election.
All voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in a universal primary contest. This August, the County Commission District 5 race will be on the ballot as a universal primary.
All voters can also vote on local ballot measures and in nonpartisan races, such as judicial and school board races.
You can view the offices up for election and the list of candidates for every race on our website, www.lee.vote.
As we gather with friends, family, and neighbors to mark America’s historic milestone, let us remember that our electoral process depends on active participation.
I look forward to us coming together to honor America through the power of our votes.
As your Supervisor of Elections, I encourage you to stay engaged and to be an informed voter. Please review the dates and deadlines for each election this year.
If you need assistance with registering to vote, updating your voter registration, or any other election-related services, my team and I are here to help.
Call us at 239-533-8683 or visit any of our offices. You can also email me personally at Supervisor@lee.vote.
Election Dates:
Primary Election: Aug. 18
General Election: Nov. 3
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On Election Day, you must vote in your designated precinct.
Find out where you vote on Election Day
Deadline to Register to Vote or Change Party Affiliation:
Primary Election – July 20
General Election – Oct. 5
Register to vote or update your voter registration record
Deadline to Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot:
Primary Election: Aug. 6, at 5 p.m.
General Election: Oct. 22, at 5 p.m.
All vote-by-mail requests made before December 2024 have expired. If you want to vote by mail, you must submit a new request every election cycle.
Request vote-by-mail ballot Â
Track your vote-by-mail ballot
Early Voting Dates:
Primary Election: Aug. 8-15
General Election: Oct. 19-31
Early Voting sites will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
During Early Voting, you can vote at any of the 12 Early Voting sites available across Lee County.
View the list of Early Voting locations