Polk County Elections: Congressional, State Legislature

LAKELAND, FL — Polk County voters have a lot to decide in Tuesday's general election, in addition to filling in that oval circle next to a presidential candidate's name. Other races on the ballot include congressional, state legislative and county commission seats. State constitution amendments and a county referendum are also up for approval.

Early voting closed on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Drop boxes for mail-in ballots are closed in Polk County.

The election headquarters office is allowing voters to drop off their mail-in ballots at its Bartow location, 250 South Broadway Avenue. Mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Supervisor of Polk County Elections Lori Edwards is confident that the local polls will remain
organized on Election Day with its 30 full-time employees and 1,700 temporary workers hired for the general election, The Ledger reported.

Polk County Commissioner District 3 candidates are retired Circuit Judge Democrat Bob Doyel, who is challenging incumbent Republican Polk County Commissioner Bill Braswell.

Braswell has received backlash for a recent email he sent out to the community. In the email, he praised the county's efforts and his own for handling federal CARES Act funding that assisted residents and then at the bottom asked for voters to vote for him, The Ledger reported.

Doyel criticized his opponent for his actions.

"The fact that someone running for elected office could use applicants' information for personal or political gain is unbelievable," Doyel said reported The Ledger. "After refusing to issue a mask mandate, for him to take credit for anything related to the pandemic insults the intelligence of the very people who need help."

Polk County voters will decide whether to extend a property tax exemption that was initially approved in 2012, but is set to expire in 2022 if voters do not approve it again.

Charter Amendment 1: Charter Review
Polk County's Charter Review Commission meets every eight years, and if this amendment passes, it would be every 12 years.

Charter Amendment 2: Efficiency Commission
If this amendment passes, it would reduce expenses to Polk County by abolishing the Polk County Efficiency Commission.

In an effort to ensure every registered voter gets to cast a ballot at the polls, the leaders
of the Democratic Party and Republican Party have recruited 266 poll watchers to keep an eye on things as residents vote.

There will be a team of volunteers monitoring what happens just outside voting sites since state law forbids any campaign activity within 150 feet of the entrance to a polling place.

There are multiple congressional districts listed on the ballot. You will only vote for the
congressional district that represents the district you live in. Find your district representative by viewing your sample ballot from BallotPedia right here.

In Congress District 9, candidates include the incumbent Democrat Darren Soto who is being challenged by newcomer Republican William P. "Bill" Olson, a military veteran.

Congress District 15 candidates are newcomers Democrat Alan Cohn and Republican Scott Franklin.

Candidates for Congress District 17 include incumbent Republican Greg Steube who is seeking a second terms and challengers Democrat Allen Ellison and Independent Theodore "Pink Tie" Murray.

District 20 State House candidates include former state representative Republican Danny Burgess and newcomer to politics Democrat Kathy Lewis.

"As the former Ex. Dir. of FDVA, I encountered true heroes each & every day," Burgess said in a tweet. "I'm running for the State Senate to be a common sense voice because we are all Americans & there is so much more that unites us than divides us. It’s time to rise to meet the mission. I'm ready."

Lewis has encouraged voters on her social media platforms to get out and vote.

Republican Josie Tomkow is seeking re-election for state representative in District 39, and faces Democrat hopeful Chris Cause. Meanwhile in District 40, newcomers Democrat Jan Barrow, Republican Colleen Burton and Independent Emily Muchie are on the ballot. District 41's incumbent Republican Sam Killebrew faces challenger Democrat Jared West.

The three candidates for District 42 include Republican county commissioner Fred Hawkins, Democrat Barbara Ann Cady and Independent Leroy Sanchez. Incumbent Republican Melony Bell is challenged by Democrat and civil rights leader James Davis in District 56.

Polk County residents will vote on six state amendments:

Florida Amendment 1

Citizen Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections: This amendment provides that only United States Citizens who are at least eighteen years of age, a permanent resident of Florida, and registered to vote, as provided by law, shall be qualified to vote in a Florida election.

Florida Amendment 2

Raising Florida's Mininum Wage: Raises minimum wage to $10 per hour effective September 30, 2021. Each September 30th thereafter, minimum wage shall increase by $1 per hour until the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour on September 30, 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation starting September 30, 2027.

Florida Amendment 3

All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet: Allows all registered voters to vote in primaries for state legislature, governor, and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office, including party nominated candidates, appear on the same primary ballot. Two highest vote getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held and winner is determined in general election. Candidate’s party affiliation may appear on ballot as provided by law. Effective January 1, 2024.

Florida Amendment 4

Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments: Requires all proposed amendments or revisions to the state constitution to be approved by the voters in two elections, instead of one, in order to take effect. The proposal applies the current thresholds for passage to each of the two elections.

Florida Amendment 5

Limitation on Homestead Assessments: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution, effective date January 1, 2021, to increase, from two years to three years, the period of time during which accrued Save-Our-Homes benefits may be transferred from a prior homestead to a new homestead.

Florida Amendment 6

Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities: Provides that the homestead property tax discount for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities carries over to such veteran's surviving spouse who holds legal or beneficial title to, and who permanently resides on, the homestead property, until he or she remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property. The discount may be transferred to a new homestead property of the surviving spouse under certain conditions. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2021.

Return to Patch Tuesday night for the latest vote tally. Subscribe to free news alerts for election results.

See related stories:

• 2020 Election Voter Guide: Floridians To Vote On 6 Amendments
• Polk County Voter 2020 Guide: Early Voting, Vote-By-Mail
• Where To Find Drop Boxes For Absentee Ballots In Polk County