Today is the official day for the 2018 Midterm Elections in the US.

During the midterms, offices other than the office of the president are up for election, including the US Congress, the state legislature, the state supreme court, as well as seats in local, state + national government.

In Polk County, the polls open at 7 a.m., close at 7 p.m. + include 167 voting precincts. To find yours, enter your first and last name here to look up your polling place and check out your sample ballot.

Brush up on your midterm trivia.

Midterm elections are held every four years and take place between presidential elections.
The first midterm election was held as early as the Civil War.
Though voter turnout tends to drop in the midterm, this year Florida has seen record-high early voting totals ahead of Election Day. More than 5 million Floridians had already cast a ballot. In 2014, 3.1 million early ballots were cast.
All 435 seats in the US House of Representatives + 33 seats in the US Senate (about ⅓ of the total seats) are up for election, including 6,665 state positions. 36 states will elect a governor.
In FL, all seats in the state General Assembly (150 total) are on the ballot this year.
In FL, we’re voting on whether Ron DeSantis (R) will serve as Governor, or whether Andrew Gillum (D) will take the position.

Once you’ve checked out your ballot, read our guide to the 2018 Midterm Election in Polk County. Then, head to the polls armed with the knowledge of who you’re going to vote for. Plus, find out all about the 12 Constitutional amendments you’ll be weighing in on.

Already voted? Pass this on to a friend.

What’s your reason for voting? Tell us why you’re heading to the polls today over on Facebook or Instagram, and don’t forget to enter our voting contest. Check back with us on Thursday morning to see all of the election results – from Polk County and beyond.

Cheers to exercising your civic duty,

- LALtoday team