Guest commentary: Laying groundwork for next year’s elections
Every election requires extensive preparation, from operations to administrative functions and outreach efforts. Although we are a year away from the 2026 midterm elections, my team and I are already laying the groundwork to ensure a smooth and successful election cycle.
As part of this preparation, our Community Education Services Department has been providing essential election information and services to the voters of Lee County. This includes organizing voter registration drives, conducting voter education presentations, and assisting with vote-by-mail requests and registration updates. Some of the many places our dedicated team has visited include assisted living facilities, local events, schools, libraries and government agencies.
Our goal is to ensure that Lee County voters are well-informed and prepared for next year’s elections, and our partnerships within the community play a vital role in achieving that. Be sure to check our Community Calendar at www.lee.vote to find our team at an event near you or to request our services.
Another critical element of election readiness is maintaining up-to-date voter rolls. To accomplish this, we must conduct an annual voter registration list maintenance program, as mandated by Florida law. This process must begin before April 1 each year and involves updating voter records to reflect any changes in eligibility or residence.
I am pleased to share that we have already completed the first phase of this process. It is one of the many ways we diligently work year-round to protect the integrity of our voter registration system. If you have recently moved, please remember to update your address with our office. This simple and quick, yet important, step keeps your registration active and helps us maintain accurate voter rolls.
On the legislative front, House Bill 1205 was signed into law and includes updates to the initiative petition process. The bill places new requirements on petition sponsors and circulators, clarifies who is eligible to collect signatures and revises the petition form. It also requires election offices to notify voters by mail when their signature on a petition has been verified as valid.
Our office will be making the necessary adjustments to handle the administrative changes to the process. However, it is important to note that there is ongoing litigation surrounding the provisions in House Bill 1205. We will provide timely updates should there be any court-ordered changes to the initiative petition process.
Whether you have questions about this process or need general election assistance, my staff and I are happy to help. Please do not hesitate to contact our office at 239-533-8683 or elections@lee.vote.
Tommy Doyle is the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, visit https://www.lee.vote/ or call 239-533-8683.