With election season approaching and early voting just around the corner, it is vital for voters to meet and learn more about the candidates running to represent Hernando County in the upcoming election.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce hosted its seventh Politics in the Park forum last Thursday to help voters meet their local politicians. The event, which was free to attend, was held at Challenger K-8 in Spring Hill.
Jo Nell, a retired dietician, said she came to politics in the park to learn more about the candidates’ stance on health and taxes.
The event participants were able to meet and interact with several candidates running for local, state, and federal office. During the event, people also had the opportunity to receive a sample ballot and register to vote.
The tabling portion of the event started at 5 p.m. where attendees could mill around a room and visit the tables of various politicians. At 6 p.m., candidates were given the opportunity to speak to their constituents about their platform.
If you are interested in learning more about the candidates in this year’s election cycle, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hernando is hosting a candidate forum on July 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the PHSC Spring Hill campus.
Also, look for Candidate Q&As in the Hernando Sun newspaper.
Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, Shirley Anderson, reminds voters that book closing for the August 20, 2024, Primary Election is quickly approaching. Monday, July 22, 2024, is the last day to register to vote or change your party affiliation if you plan on voting in the Primary Election.
Anderson also provided the information below.
Florida is a Closed Primary state. This means in a Primary Election you will receive a ballot according to the party you are registered with. If you are registered with a minor party or No Party Affiliation you will receive a nonpartisan ballot. In a General Election, party affiliation is not an issue. You may vote for any candidate regardless of party preference.
Registered voters may check their voter status on our website HernandoVotes.gov
Residents who would like to register can do so online as well at HernandoVotes.gov and selecting “Register to Vote.”
Voter registration applications are available at the Supervisor of Elections office, public libraries, county offices, city hall or state agencies that provide public assistance.
Completed applications must be signed, dated (or postmarked) and returned to the Supervisor of Elections office by the close of business on July 22, 2024.
It is important to keep your voter information up to date. The information you provide determines your voting precinct and voter eligibility. In accordance with Florida Statute 97.055, the registration books close on the 29th day before each election. Once the registration books are closed, voter registration and party changes may be accepted for the purpose of subsequent elections only.
