Florida's primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 18. Here's everything to know before you vote.

Where + when to vote

Polls will be open 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling location and don't forget to bring a valid form of ID.

Early voting will be available at select locations Saturday, Aug. 8-Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

What's on the ballot

Polk County voters will vote for both local + statewide candidates. Heads up — each local race will be decided at the primary.

Local races

County Commissioner, District 2
School Board, Districts 3, 5 + 6
Circuit Judge, 10th Judicial Circuit, Groups 23 + 24

Statewide races

Governor + Lieutenant Governor
United States Senator
Representative in Congress, Districts 9 + 16
State Representative, District 48
Chief Financial Officer
Commissioner of Agriculture

Florida is a Closed Primary State, and ballots differ based on your party affiliation. Check out a sample ballot to get a lay of the land before voting.

Get to know the candidates

Meet the candidates at three upcoming events:

2026 Polk Politics Candidate Rally | Tuesday, Aug. 11 | 5-8 p.m. | Bartow Civic Center | Free
Politics in the Park | Wednesday, Aug. 12 | 6-8:30 p.m. | SUN 'n FUN Skylight Hangar | Free
WhistleStop Candidate Hobnob | Thursday, Aug. 13 | 6 p.m. | Nora Mayo Hall, Winter Haven | $35

Can't make it in person? LkldNow's handy Voter Guides include questionnaires + background information on local candidates.

How to get involved

Election workers keep democracy running smoothly. There are no election worker info meetings before the primaries, but register to stay in the loop and get more information.