St. Pete relaunches ‘St. Pete Votes!’ as part of its America250 celebration

St. Petersburg is reviving its “St. Pete Votes!” campaign, folding voter participation into the city’s America250 celebration ahead of a consequential election year.

The city is reviving the initiative, first launched in 2024, to encourage voter registration and turnout ahead of the 2026 elections.

The renewed campaign comes as St. Petersburg marks the nation’s semiquincentennial with its We Are St. Pete | America250 celebration.

“2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, a solemn reminder of how far our nation has come and how many people throughout history have fought, struggled, and sacrificed to secure and protect our right to vote,” Mayor Ken Welch said. 

“From the earliest fights for representation, to women’s suffrage, to the Civil Rights Movement, each generation has moved us closer to a truly inclusive democracy. We honor that legacy every time we cast a ballot.” 

St. Pete’s America250 programming features a slate of public events, educational opportunities and community activities tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The America250 celebration already includes a July 1 ceremonial flag raising at City Hall, Independence Day programming at the St. Pete Pier that includes a larger-than-usual fireworks display, online reading lists through the St. Petersburg Library System, a youth poster display through Parks and Recreation, and the city’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony in November. 

The city has said additional events and program details may be announced throughout the year. The renewed St. Pete Votes campaign, announced Wednesday, adds a voter education component to that observance. The city indicated the voter education campaign will focus on helping residents understand recent changes to Florida voting laws, particularly those affecting vote-by-mail ballot requests, voter ID requirements and election deadlines.

Residents are being encouraged to check their voter registration status, confirm their polling place and review updated voting guidance ahead of the elections. As it did in 2024, St. Pete Votes will work with neighborhood associations, local organizations and community leaders to distribute voter education materials and encourage civic participation.

The 2026 Primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, and the deadline to register is July 20. Early voting will run from Aug. 8 through Aug. 16.

The General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, and the deadline to register is Oct. 5. Early voting will run from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1.