Voting is one of the most important ways parents can help shape their family’s future, and this August primary election guide can help Lee and Collier County voters get ready. Decisions made by elected officials affect your child’s classroom, neighborhood parks, emergency services, transportation, and the community they will grow up in. Because several local races will be decided in the August 18 primary rather than the November general election, spending just a little time learning about the candidates, issues, and your ballot before you vote can make a meaningful difference.
Key Dates for Lee and Collier County Voters
- July 20: Voter registration and party-change deadline
- August 6: Vote-by-mail ballot request deadline
- August 8–15: Early voting
- August 18: Primary Election Day
Planning your vote? Early voting is underway in Lee and Collier counties through August 15. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 18.
The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the August primary is August 6. Voters who previously voted by mail should also be aware that prior vote-by-mail requests may have expired. Check your current vote-by-mail status with your county Supervisor of Elections.
What’s on the August Primary Ballot?
In the August primaries, Republicans and Democrats in Collier and Lee counties will choose their parties’ nominees for several offices on the November general election ballot. These include U.S. senator, governor, chief financial officer, commissioner of agriculture, and congressional and Florida House races, depending on where you live.
Florida is a closed-primary state for most partisan contests. Generally, voters may vote only in the primary of the political party with which they are registered. However, all eligible voters may participate in nonpartisan contests and certain universal primary contests.
Collier County
All Collier County voters may also vote in nonpartisan elections for two 20th Circuit Court judges and one school board seat. Because only two candidates qualified for each race, the winners will be elected in August.
The Collier County Commission District 4 race also will be decided in August. Because both candidates are Republicans and no other candidates qualified for the general election, Florida’s universal primary rule allows all registered voters in District 4 to participate, regardless of party affiliation.
Collier County ballots, depending on location, may also include local referendum questions, such as the Marco Island bond referendum and the Greater Naples Fire Rescue governance referendum.
Lee County
In Lee County, all eligible voters may vote in the County Commission District 5 race, which is a universal primary contest.
Lee County voters also will choose candidates in two 20th Circuit Court judicial races and the county judge Group 5 race. School board races are on the ballot in Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6. District 6 is elected countywide, while voters in Districts 1, 4, and 5 vote in their respective districts.
Cape Coral voters will see municipal races and three city charter amendments. Bonita Springs voters will decide a bond referendum related to the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, or BERT.
Five Quick Steps to Be Vote-Ready
1. Check your voter information
Make sure your registration information and address are current. The July 20 deadline to register or change your party affiliation for this primary has passed, but you can still check your voter record before voting.
2. Find your districts
Where you live determines which candidates and issues appear on your ballot. Your congressional, legislative, county, school board, municipal, and special district boundaries may affect which contests you are eligible to vote in.
3. Preview your sample ballot
Reviewing your sample ballot ahead of time gives you an opportunity to research unfamiliar candidates and ballot questions before you vote.
4. Spend 15–20 minutes doing a little homework
Read candidates’ websites, review their campaign finance reports, see who has endorsed them, and consult trusted nonpartisan resources. Look at candidates’ backgrounds, experience, stated priorities, and voting records when applicable. Whenever possible, use original sources to help form your own conclusions.
5. Make your voting plan
Early voting runs through August 15, and Primary Election Day is August 18. Check your county Supervisor of Elections website for early voting locations, hours, your Election Day polling place, and other voting information.
You don’t have to become an expert on every race. You simply need enough information to vote with confidence. Investing a few minutes before Election Day can help ensure your vote reflects the values and priorities you have for your family and your community.
Looking Ahead to November
The November general election ballot will include the winners of the August primaries, along with races that did not require a primary because only one candidate from each qualifying party advanced to the general election.
Voters will also decide judicial retention questions and, depending on where they live, may elect members of local boards and special districts.
Collier County
In Collier County, November contests include the Collier Mosquito Control District, Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District, and other local special districts.
The November election also includes seats on the newly elected City of Naples Airport Authority board.
Collier County voters may also see local referendum questions on their November ballots.
Lee County
In Lee County, the November ballot will include county and special district offices, including seats on the Lee County Mosquito Control District and local fire control and rescue districts.
Depending on where they live, voters may also elect municipal officials in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Fort Myers Beach.
Statewide, Florida voters will also consider proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution.
Where to Find Your Sample Ballot and Voting Information
Not sure what’s on your ballot? Your county Supervisor of Elections is the official source for voter registration information, sample ballots, early voting locations, vote-by-mail information, and Election Day details.
Collier County voters:
Visit CollierVotes.gov or call 239-252-VOTE (8683).
Lee County voters:
Visit Lee.Vote or call 239-LEE-VOTE (239-533-8683).
Learn Before You Vote
Nonpartisan research on many of the candidates appearing on the Collier County ballot is available at Sparker’s Soapbox.
The research includes background information, campaign positions, campaign finance, endorsements, and links to original sources so voters can learn more for themselves. The website also offers nonpartisan information on voting districts, sample ballots, candidate research, links to original sources, and the Vote Smart Collier County guide.
An informed vote is one of the most powerful ways citizens can shape their community. Start learning about the candidates now, review your sample ballot, and make a plan to vote by August 18.