Early voting has kicked off in Hillsborough County and is scheduled to begin soon in Pasco County.
Voters who want to cast their ballot in advance of Primary Election Day on Aug. 23 can choose from a number of locations within the county where they live.
Other voting options include casting a ballot-by-mail or heading to the voter’s assigned polling place within their precinct on Primary Election Day.
Both Brian Corley, supervisor of elections in Pasco County, and Craig Latimer, supervisor of elections in Hillsborough County, said they haven’t experienced any problems attracting poll workers and other personnel during this election season.
“That was a huge concern I had going into the 2022 cycle,” Corley said, citing national reports of poll workers being hassled in other localities.
The Pasco elections official continued: “Whenever we have orientations with prospective poll workers, I’ll ask: Why do you want to be a poll worker?”
Many of the poll workers are volunteers who tell Corley they want to give back.
“They’ll say, I had a good career, I want to give back.
“Younger people just want to (be a poll worker), for the love of country and democracy, and the county, quite honestly.
“It just blows my mind that people step up and do that. It’s a tough job, but we’re blessed to have such a loyal group of hardworking folks,” Corley said.
Latimer said his operation is ready, too.
“We are well-staffed,” he said.
“People can still apply on our website to be poll workers. They may go on a standby list,” Latimer said.
But he noted, those on the standby list could be called upon, if someone drops out. Plus, they’ll be gearing up for the General Election, in November.
Corley noted: “We had an excess, what we call our alternates — in the bullpen, as we say, but just yesterday, one of my chief deputies reached out: ‘We’re losing some.’”
The top reason for poll workers dropping out is because of COVID, Corley said.
Anyone wanting to learn more about applying to work during the Election 2022 season in Pasco should call 800-851-8754, Corley said. The pay rates vary, based on position.
To find out more about voting in Pasco County, visit PascoVotes.gov; in Hillsborough County, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.
Early Voting*
Pasco County: Early voting in Pasco County starts Aug. 13 and runs through Aug. 20. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early voting sites:
- Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
- East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
- Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
- New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
- Pasco County Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
- Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
- Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel
Hillsborough County: Early voting in Hillsborough County began Aug. 8 and will end Aug. 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early voting sites:
- Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
- Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, Odessa
- New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa
- Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Hill Drive, Tampa
- University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa
* These Early Voting locations are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.
Source: The websites of the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Hillsborough County Supervision of Elections offices.
What to bring to the voting site
Please bring one or two forms of identification that include your signature and photo. Without proper identification, you may still vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility. Any of the following forms of photo identification are acceptable:
- Florida Driver License
- Florida ID Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- U.S. Passport
- Debit or Credit Card
- Military ID
- Student ID
- Retirement Center ID
- Neighborhood Association ID
- Public Assistance ID
- Veteran Health ID (issued by VA)
- Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to s. 790.06)
- Government Employee ID (If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.)
You also should bring your sample ballot to the polling place with notes on how you plan to vote. By making your voting decisions before going to the polling place, you help keep the lines down.
Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office
Published August 10, 2022
