LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Should voters in Cape Coral have a say in who represents people in Lehigh Acres?
It’s a debate that’s gone on for years in Lee County. Now, voters will have the final say.
An amendment on the November ballot would change how Lee County commissioners are elected.
RELATED: Early voting opens in Lee, Charlotte and Hendry counties — here’s what you need to know
Right now, commissioners represent individual districts, but voters across the entire county can vote in each commission race.
If the amendment passes, voters would only elect the commissioner who represents their district.
Republican State Rep. Mike Giallombardo has pushed for the change for years. Lawmakers have held town halls across Lee County to hear from residents on both sides.
Giallombardo told WINK News the current system can be confusing for voters, since all five commissioners appear on the ballot, even though each represents a different district.
He says he’s heard from residents in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Alva who want more of a say in who represents their communities.
“Even if you vote for the person that you want from your district and your community, the rest of Lee County could vote the other way, and you lose that seat,” Giallombardo said.
But Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass has opposed the change in the past. He previously told WINK News that because all five commissioners vote on issues affecting the entire county, all voters should have a say in electing them.
WINK News texted Pendergrass Tuesday for his current position but has not heard back.
The issue doesn’t fall strictly along party lines. The chair of the Lee County Democratic Party, Jim Rosinus, has also told WINK News he supports single-member districts.
The amendment applies only to Lee County and needs more than 50% of votes cast on the measure to pass.
If approved, the change would begin with the 2028 election. If rejected, the current countywide system would remain.