Today is the deadline to request vote-by-mail ballots for Orlando city races

Time is running out for Orlando city residents to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 4 election, where three City Council districts will be decided.

“The races closest to home have the biggest impact on our neighborhoods and daily lives,” said Orange County Elections Supervisor Karen Castor Dentel in a press release. “Every vote matters in shaping the community we live in, so be sure to vote in the City of Orlando election and make your voice heard. Your vote is your power!”

The deadline is 5 p.m. today (Oct. 23) to request a vote-by-mail ballot. There are several ways to ask for one, including calling the Supervisor of Elections Office at 407-836-8683 or stopping in person at the office, which is located at 119 W Kaley St. in Orlando.

“Remember: After Dec. 31, 2024, all vote-by-mail requests expired,” the press release said. “If a request has not been submitted in 2025, a new one must be made.”

Meanwhile early voting begins Monday, Oct. 27, and runs through Nov. 2 at the Election Supervisor’s office on Kaley.

Early voting hours will be:

— Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

— Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

— Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Polls are open on Election Day, Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“If a voter is in line by 7:00 p.m., they will be allowed to vote,” the press release said.

Voters can find their assigned polling place online at ocfelections.gov or by phone at 407-836-2070, the Supervisor of Elections’ press release said.

Orlando city voters will decide the District 1 race between incumbent Commissioner Jim Gray, Manny Acosta, Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund and former Rep. Tom Keen.

The District 3 race is an open contest as longtime Commissioner Robert Stuart is not seeking re-election. Samuel Chambers, Roger Chapin, Chris Durant, Kimberly Kiss and Mira Tanna are running there.

In District 5, Regina Hill, who was suspended from office, is trying to win back her seat from Shan Rose, who won a Special Election after Hill was ousted. Challenger Lawanna Gelzer also entered the race late.

Orlando City Commission races are nonpartisan.