LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
In November, Lee County voters will see a referendum on their ballot that, if it passes, could change how their county commissioners are elected.
Voters will decide if Lee County will remain in an at-large voting system or transition into single-member districts. Here’s everything you need to know about the Referendum Providing for the Structure of the County Legislative Branch.
>> Click here for the 2026 Gulf Coast News General Election Voter’s Guide
What the Referendum Means
Lee County is divided into five commission districts, each with its own county commissioner. Right now, the county runs with an at-large voting system for its commissioner elections.
If enough residents vote “yes” on this ballot measure, Lee County would transition into a system with single-member districts.
This referendum came to be after a bill introduced by State Representative Mike Giallombardo (R-77) passed unanimously in the Florida Senate and was signed off by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June 2025.
Supporters of the change say that the new voting system would be more fair and allow for more direct representation.
Opponents say that the change would prevent voters from holding all county commissioners accountable, and that it would discourage county residents from caring about issues concerning a specific district, sowing division.
At-Large vs. Single-Member
An at-large voting system, the one that Lee County is currently running with, means that when it comes time to elect a county commissioner for a specific district, voting is open to every single resident of Lee County who can vote.
This currently means that a resident who lives in District 1 can vote on who will become the county commissioner for District 5.
With a single-member voting system, only residents of the district that a candidate for county commissioner is running in can vote in that election.
This would mean that only a resident of District 5 can vote on who will be the commissioner for District 5.
What Does a County Commissioner Do?
County Commissioners serve as the governing body of a county. In Florida, counties must be divided into five or seven districts that are nearly equal in population or proportion. County Commissioners:
Approve the county budgetSet the tax rateEnact local lawsPass regulations
Each commissioner in a district will represent and reside in the district that they’re elected in.
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