UF students and Gainesville residents can cast their ballots early for the March 19 city elections starting today.
Residents can vote at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office, 12 SE First St., until Sunday.
Early voting polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
This year’s race has Ed Braddy, Scherwin L. Henry, Pete Johnson, Donald Shepherd Sr., Mark Venzke and incumbent Craig Lowe competing for the mayoral seat. Alfredo Espinosa, W.E. “Mac” McEachern and incumbent Randy Wells will vie for the District 4 City Commission seat.
There is also a charter amendment on the ballot that would change the date of city elections and terms of office.
If the amendment passes, beginning in 2017 city elections would take place every other odd-numbered year rather than every year. It would also change mayoral and City Commission terms from their three-year terms that start in May to four-year terms that begin in January 2018.
In order to vote, residents will need a valid picture and signature ID or must have filled out a provisional ballot.
Pam Carpenter, supervisor of elections, said in the past, her office hasn’t seen many people in line during the early voting week.
“Any time would be a good time to come out and cast your ballot,” she said.
