Collier Votes Local in 2026

In 2026, not only will voters be asked to make a choice for the Florida governor and cabinet members, but they will also make selections for their representatives in the U.S. Senate and Congress, the Florida Senate and House, county commission, and school board. Also, contingent on where voters reside, they may see a city council race and special district contests on their ballot, including mosquito control district, fire district, and community development district positions.

On February 3, voters residing within the City of Naples will be asked to vote for three city council seats. The winners of this election will represent the City of Naples and the citizens who live within it. They will serve in the city’s best interests by legislating for the municipality, directing the enforcement of ordinances, transacting city business, providing community leadership, and overall protecting the welfare of the city and its inhabitants.

During the August 18 primary election, voters county-wide will select among candidates within their political party for federal, state, and local seats. Florida is a closed primary state, therefore, only voters who are registered members of a political party may vote for their respective party’s candidates during this election. Voters without a party affiliation are not eligible to vote in partisan contests, and voters who belong to a minor party can only vote for party candidates if the minor party they are affiliated with has a primary contest. There will also be nonpartisan races on the primary election ballot, including school board and judges. All voters, whether they are affiliated with a political party or not, can vote in these nonpartisan contests.

The general election, on November 3, will see the winning candidates from the primary election face off with opposing parties. Voters will also see nonpartisan special districts on their ballot, and voters who reside in the City of Marco Island will vote for their city council. Voters will also be asked to vote for or against initiatives placed on the ballot by citizen petitions or by the Florida Legislature.

Voting in local elections may not get the attention of national elections, but they have powerful and immediate effects on our communities. Many of these down-ballot races elect leaders who make decisions about public safety, local infrastructure, schools, zoning, parks, and transportation, just to name a few.

Your vote has real power to influence the decisions that affect you, your neighbors, and your community’s future. When more people vote locally, our elected officials are more representative of their districts and can respond efficiently to what the local needs are for their constituents. This year, make a plan to get out and vote local!