St. Petersburg voters can begin casting ballots today, Aug. 8, as early voting opens for a consequential city election headlined by a crowded mayoral race and several City Council contests.
Early voting runs through Aug. 16 ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Pinellas County’s three early voting locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Unlike Election Day, voters can cast a ballot at any early voting location in the county.
For St. Petersburg residents, the closest location is the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office at 501 First Avenue N. The city is offering free parking at The Coliseum, 535 Fourth AvenueN., during the early voting period for residents using the nearby elections office.
Voters must bring identification containing both a photo and signature.
The marquee local contest is the St. Petersburg mayoral race, where incumbent Mayor Ken Welch is seeking a second term against a crowded field that includes former Gov. Charlie Crist, City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard, former Fire Chief Jim Large, Kevin Batdorf and Maria Scruggs. If no mayoral candidate receives more than 50% on Aug. 18, the top two finishers advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
The opening of early voting marks the beginning of the final stretch in a mayoral campaign that has intensified in recent weeks, with candidates competing for voters through debates, campaign events and town halls.
Crist plans to vote with supporters Saturday morning on the first day of early voting, according to his campaign.
Pinellas County voters have until Aug. 16 to vote early. Those waiting until Election Day can vote at their assigned precinct from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 18.