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Learn
Before You Vote
by By Sandy Parker,
Publisher Sparker's Soapbox
ollier County voters will make several important Marco Island bond referendum
decisions in the August 18 primary election, including Greater Naples Fire Rescue governance referendum
Craces that will be decided that day and never appear on Not sure what’s on your ballot? Find your voter information
the November ballot. at www.colliervotes.gov.
Key Dates On the November General Election Ballot
July 20 – Voter registration deadline The November General Election ballot will include the
August 6 – Vote-by-mail request deadline winners of the August primaries, along with races that did
August 8-15 – Early voting not require a primary because only one Republican and one
August 18 – Primary Election Day Democrat qualified.
Florida law requires a new vote-by-mail ballot request each Voters will also decide whether to retain one Florida
election year. To vote by mail, you must request a mail ballot by Supreme Court justice and, depending on where they live,
August 6. may also elect members of local boards, including the Collier
Contact the Collier County Supervisor of Elections office at Mosquito Control District, the Greater Naples and North
www.colliervoters.gov or 239-252-VOTE for details. Collier Fire Control Districts, and other local special districts.
What’s on the August Primary Ballot November will also mark the first election for the Naples
In the August primaries, Collier County Republicans and Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. All Collier
Democrats will choose their parties’ nominees for several County voters will elect commissioners for Seats 4 and 5. Seats
offices on the November general election ballot. These include 1, 2, and 3 were unopposed and are already deemed elected
U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor, Chief Financial under Florida law.
Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture, and one Florida House Finally, the November ballot will include three proposed
seat that represents part of Collier County. amendments to the Florida Constitution and a local one-
All voters in Collier County may also vote in nonpartisan percent tourist development tax referendum.
elections for two 20th Circuit Court judges and one School Where to Learn More
Board seat. Because only two candidates qualified for each race, Find nonpartisan research on many of the candidates
the winners will be elected in August. appearing on the Collier County ballot at www.sparkers-
The County Commission District 4 race will also be soapbox.com. The research includes background information,
decided in August. Because both candidates are Republicans campaign positions, campaign finance, endorsements, and links
and no other candidates qualified, Florida’s Universal Primary to original sources so voters can learn more for themselves..
rule allows all registered voters in District 4 to participate. An informed vote is one of the most powerful ways citizens
In addition, some voters will see local referendum questions can shape their community. Start learning about the candidates
on their ballots: now so you’ll be ready when it’s time to vote.
Sandy Parker is the founder and publisher of Sparker’s Soapbox,
a nonpartisan civic information resource for Collier County voters.
Learn more at sparkers-soapbox.com
Life in Naples | August-September-October 2026 37
