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With Election Day less than three weeks away, Florida voters are preparing to head to the polls to determine who represents them at the state, federal, and local levels.
The state’s mandatory early-voting period for the 2026 general election runs from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31. Florida law allows county supervisors of elections to offer additional early-voting days beginning as early as Oct. 19 and extending through Nov. 1.
For Black voters in Tampa Bay, the upcoming early-voting period also presents an opportunity to consider the issues directly affecting their neighborhoods, from housing and education to economic development, health care, public safety, and the cost of living.
Robin Lockett is the regional director of the Tampa Bay region of Florida Rising, an organization that advocates for racial and economic justice across the state. She says early voting is important for Black voters because that’s where the power lies.
“It gives us more opportunities to overcome everyday life barriers, such as work schedules, transportation, childcare, illness, and unexpected emergencies that could keep us from voting on Election Day,” says Lockett. “Generations before us fought for this right, and we should continue to honor that legacy by using our power to vote.”
Lockett says the majority of issues she hears from Tampa Bay Black residents range from affordable housing to the quality of education.
She shared the following insights with Power Broker:
Cost of living and economic security: “Groceries, utilities, gas, wages and simply being able to make ends meet.”
Good-paying jobs and economic opportunity: “Not just having a job, but earning enough to live, access to skilled trades and apprenticeships, and opportunities for Black-owned businesses. Tampa Bay's longstanding racial disparities in wages, poverty and homeownership make this especially relevant locally.”
Education and our children: “Quality neighborhood schools, teacher and support-staff pay, literacy, vocational and trade programs and ensuring Black children aren't left behind.”
Healthcare and mental health: “Particularly affordability, access and prescription costs. Healthcare costs remain one of the major economic concerns heading into the midterms.”
Public safety and criminal justice: “People want safe neighborhoods, but they also care about fairness, accountability, second chances and opportunities for people returning from incarceration.”
Tampa Bay community advocate CT Harris is the Hillsborough regional organizing director for the Angie Nixon campaign. Nixon is the 2026 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Florida.
Harris says educating the community is a huge part of the responsibilities of educating and mobilizing voters on these issues. Harris explained that early voting is more than convenience — it’s about access, opportunity, and making sure voices are heard.
On Sept. 27, Nixon hosted an "All Hands on Deck" campaign rally at The Skills Center. It's one of many community events Harris and her team collaborate on to engage the community.
“Early voting gives us options and ensures that exercising our right to vote doesn’t depend on everything going perfectly on Election Day,” says Harris. “For me, voting is also about legacy. Our ancestors fought too hard for access to the ballot for us to treat it as an afterthought. Take your children with you. Bring a neighbor. Call a friend. Let the next generation see democracy in action.”
As of Sept. 16, there are over 13.5 million registered voters in Florida, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Out of that number, over 1.8 million are registered in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
“We cannot demand change while sitting out the process that helps create it,” says Harris. “Early voting gives us the opportunity to be intentional with our power because democracy begins with people who decide their voice matters enough to use it.”
However, some are hesitant to get involved in the voting process. Lockett emphasizes with those individuals, especially when they don't see their communities changing or their concerns being heard. But she says not voting is not the answer.
“Not voting doesn't make the system hear us, it makes it easier to ignore us, “ says Lockett.
“The answer isn't to step away. It's to show up, vote, organize, hold elected officials accountable, and make them earn our vote.”
The deadline to request a ballot be mailed is Oct. 22. Early voting is Oct. 24- 31. Election day is on Nov. 3. For more information go to the Florida Elections website.
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