Election. Photo by Meghan Bowman for WMNF News.
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On Tuesday, voters in Hillsborough County cast their ballots in the special election to fill a state Senate seat made vacant by now-Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins.
People trickled into the South Tampa Fellowship Davis Islands Campus to cast their vote.
Jeff Starkman has lived in the area since 1970.
“I try to make every election, special or not, since it’s part of our citizenship duty to vote when we are given the opportunity,” Starkman said.
They’re choosing between two candidates – Republican Josie Tomkow or Democrat Brian Nathan.
Tomkow is a former Polk County House member who left to run for this spot. Nathan is a U.S Navy Veteran and union leader.
Senate District 14 covers much of Hillsborough County, including South Tampa, Carrollwood, and Westchase.
Voter Kathy Rodgers says her top issue is flooding in South Tampa.
“The roads. We’ve got to get these roads under control. They need to be repaired, they need to be maintained, and the infrastructure is probably my priority.” Rodgers told WMNF.
Charla Tempone has lived in the area for 25 years.
She cast her ballot at the South Tampa Fellowship Davis Islands Campus and says the voting process was extremely easy and also important.
“Well, I think it’s our duty and our right and privilege, actually. And I think having a say, having a word, and then allowing it to take its course and knowing you did your part. And you can’t complain if you didn’t vote.” Tempone said.
Governor Ron DeSantis faced a lawsuit from the ACLU of Florida for his delay in calling the special election.
Polls are open until 7 Tuesday evening.