City Clerk

Frequently Asked Questions
about the City of Orlando 2012 Election

Q: When Is the City of Orlando election being held?

A: The election will take place on April 3, 2012.  If necessary, a run-off election will be held on May 1, 2012.

Q: Why would a run-off be needed?

A: If there are more than 2 candidates and no one candidate receives a majority of the votes, the top two candidates will face off in a run-off election.

Q: Which seats are up for election?

A: There will be an election for Mayor and for Commissioner in Districts 1, 2, 4 and 6.

Q:  Who are the candidates?

A:  You can see the list of candidates and information about their campaign finances at this link: http://www.cityoforlando.net/cityclerk/elections/2012%20Election/Candidates2012.htm.  Those marked “qualified” will appear on the ballot.

Q:  How can I vote in the City of Orlando election? 

A:  There are 3 ways to do so but first you must be a City resident and registered to vote.  Click here to find out how to register. .  The registration deadline is March 5, 2012 to be eligible to vote in the City election in April.

1.   Early voting: You can vote early at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office located at 119 W. Kaley Street in Orlando. Early voting begins on Monday, March 26, 2012 and runs through Sunday, April 1, 2012. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (for in office absentee voting).

2.   Absentee Ballot:  You can vote by mail by ordering an absentee ballot.  You can order it by calling 407.836.2070 or online at orangecountyvotes.com.  The last day to order an absentee ballot is March 28, 2012 at 5 p.m.  Your ballot must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on election day, April 3, 2012.

3.   Voting at the polls on election day:  You can vote at your assigned precinct on election day, April 3, 2012 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.  To find out where your polling place is located, click here and then enter your address or call 407.836.2070.  Please note that because of redistricting, you may be in a new district and a new polling place so be sure to check.

Q: How do I verify that I am registered to vote in Orange County already?

A. Click here to visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website to verify your registration.

Q:  Why were changes made to my voting location?

A: Every 10 years, there is a census taken in the United States.  Based on those results, district lines must be redrawn to make sure that there are approximately equal numbers of people in each district.  Orlando conducted a redistricting process last summer and fall.  You can check out the results by clicking here: http://www.cityoforlando.net/cityclerk/boards/redistricting.htm. Due to redistricting, some changes in the poll locations were necessary.

Q:  Does this mean that I have a new Commissioner to represent me now?

A: No.  The new district lines are not in effect until June 1, 2012 so if you have a problem currently, you should contact your current commissioner.  You can find out who that is by clicking here http://www.cityoforlando.net/gis/locator.asp  and typing in your address.     

Thank you for taking the time to read these frequently asked questions and answers.  If you still have questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 407.246.2251.  Thank you!