The 2025 Election Day has arrived, and in Southwest Florida, there are several races we’re keeping an eye on.

In Lee County, the only race being monitored is the Fort Myers Beach recall election. The candidates running for the potential vacancies are Tom Brady, Rebecca Link, and Edward Rood.

According to Fort Myers Beach, the recall election is being held because a group of Fort Myers Beach citizens formed a committee aimed at removing council members John R. King and Karen Woodson from office.

The Committee met the required percentage of petitions, which our office verified. 

On Election Day, voters will decide whether to recall the council members, and on the same ballot, residents will vote for the candidates whom they would like to fill the vacancies that may result from the recall election. 

According to Fort Myers Beach officials, if only one council member is removed, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to fill the vacancy.

If both council members are removed, the two candidates with the most votes will be elected to fill the two vacancies.

If neither council member is removed, no vacancies occur.

The polling location for precincts 309 and 321 will be held at the Fort Myers Beach Bay Oaks Recreation Center, located at 2731 Oak Street. 

On Election Day, hand-delivered vote-by-mail ballots can be dropped off at the following office locations:

 Bonita Springs Branch Office

25987 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 105, Bonita Springs

Lee County Elections Center

13180 S. Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers.

Main Office—Melvin Morgan Constitutional Complex

2480 Thompson St., Third Floor, Fort Myers

In Charlotte County, the only race listed is for Punta Gorda City Council District 5. The candidates are Melissa Lockhart and Bill Page.

Voters opting for vote-by-mail ballots must have them dropped off by 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

The location for mail-in ballots is provided below.

Charlotte County Historical Courthouse, 226 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda.

Voters are reminded to sign and seal their ballot and to place only one ballot per envelope. 

For further assistance, click here. 

Nicholas Karsen is a Digital Specialist and has been with WINK News since May 2023.