At LALtoday, we aim to cover local elections in a way that educates and activates our community with unbiased information to encourage individual voter participation. (I.e. vote for whoever + whatever you want to, just make sure to vote.) To learn more, check out our Editorial Ethics Policy.

Election Day is just around the corner on Tuesday, Nov. 5. To make this election as easy as possible, we’ve curated the need-to-know information about how and where to vote.

Am I registered?

First things first, make sure you’re eligible + registered to vote. Then, check your voter registration to identify your voting district. Voter registration for the general election closed on Oct. 7, but you can still submit an application for future elections

Where's my polling location?

Polk County polling places will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. If you’re unsure where to go, you can request voter information that provides your registration status + polling location.

Early walk-in voting is available from Monday, Oct. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 3 at these locations. Pro tip: Don't forget to bring your photo ID and signature identification.

Voting absentee or by mail? Completed ballots must be requested by Thursday, Oct. 24 and received by Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. to be counted.

What are we voting on?

According to the sample ballot, Polk County voters will be voting for these local seats in the general election, in addition to national + state offices:

County commissioner in District 1
Sheriff
Supervisor of Elections
And more

Note: Some races, like those for property appraiser and the District 5 county commissioner, were decided in the primary earlier this year.

Who are the candidates?

Candidates spoke before voters at various events like Politics in the Park earlier this year. If you couldn't attend the event hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, read up on what candidates shared about their platforms.