Many local races will be decided in the Aug. 20 primary, most of them open to all registered voters regardless of party registration. Before you vote, research the candidates and read their answers to five timely questions.

Primary election: Aug. 20
General election: Nov. 5

Voting: Where, How

Check out key dates, precincts, voting methods.

Polk School Board

3 nonpartisan races are open to all Polk voters.

Polk County Commission

One race for all voters; one for Republicans only.

Property Appraiser

Neil Combee and Gow Fields face off; all can vote.

Judge, Public Defender

Both races are open to all voters in three counties.

Florida
House

Four Republicans are competing in District 49.

U.S.
House

All 3 Lakeland districts have party primaries.

Key dates

Primary

General election

  • Deadline to register to vote: Oct. 7
  • Deadline to request vote-by-mail ballot: Oct. 24 at 5 p.m.
  • Early voting: TBA
  • Election Day: Nov. 5

Candidate info: The candidate bios in the Voter Guide were lightly edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses to the questions posed by LkldNow are published as submitted by the candidates.