An early voting site at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library in Seffner, Florida on Aug. 2, 2024. Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
The mailman’s been busy, and that’s because candidates across the Tampa Bay area are rushing to deliver paid messaging about the 2026 primary election, which wraps on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The deadline to register to vote—or change parties—is fast approaching, and there’s a lot to digest on the ballot. We’ll keep diving in during the days leading up to early voting opening, but here’s some basic information to get you started.
Visit votehillsborough.gov and votepinellas.gov.
Important dates and deadlines in the 2026 Florida primary election
Voter and party registration: Monday, July 20
Florida is a closed-primary state, meaning you independents might not have much to vote on outside of nonpartisan races like the St. Pete Mayoral, judges, school board, and local ballot measures. Get in on the action by making the switch, and then reclaim your independence ahead of the general election.
Mail ballot information for the 2026 Florida primary election
In Hillsborough, the supervisor of elections says, “For many years now, about a third of our voters have found Vote By Mail to be an easy, reliable method of voting.” Bay News 9 says that, “Since 2010, about half of all ballots cast in Pinellas County have been by mail.” For the 2026 primary, Bay area voters must request them by Thursday, Aug. 6.
To count, mail ballots must be signed by the voter and physically arrive at your supervisors of elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters may also drop their mail-in ballots at a secure return location, an early voting site, or the Supervisor of Elections office. Both counties publish secure drop-off location lists closer to the election. Certain forms are required for anyone who’s been designated to pick up a mail ballot for anyone else.
Early voting for the 2026 Florida primary election
In Hillsborough, early voting starts on Monday, Aug. 3, and runs daily, even on Sundays, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 27 different locations.
Pinellas starts early voting on Saturday, Aug. 8. Voting there runs 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends, including Sundays, but so far only three locations are listed.
Early voting in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties ends after Sunday, Aug. 16.
Election day for the 2026 Florida primary election
It’s on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with polls open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.—but for chrissake, be like the cool kids and make a plan to vote early because you never know what’s going to happen in your life.
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This article appears in July 09 – 15, 2026.
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