Voters in Tampa face open seat, special election on ballot

Polls across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas Park opened at 7 a.m. local time and will close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The state is divided between the Eastern and Central time zones, so residents in different parts of the county may experience slightly different clock times, but the official window remains seven hours. According to Ballotpedia, voters can find their specific polling place at vote.gov. Anyone in line when the polls close is entitled to cast a ballot, a rule that has drawn long lines in recent midterms.

The most prominent federal race on the ballot for Florida voters is a special election for the U.S. Senate. This contest determines who will hold the seat for the remainder of the six-year term that Marco Rubio was elected to in 2022. Ballotpedia identifies Ashley B. Moody as the Republican incumbent on the ballot. The Democratic and No Party Affiliation candidates are also listed on the general election ballot. This is not a regular six-year election but a special election to fill the vacancy created by Rubio's move to the vice presidency.

Florida voters are also choosing a new governor in an open seat race. Jimmy Patronis is the incumbent on the ballot for the Republican Party, while the Democratic and No Party Affiliation candidates are listed on the general ballot. No incumbent is running for re-election, making this a high-profile contest for the state's executive branch. The AP describes the governor's race as competitive, noting that it is one of several key state races being watched closely nationwide.

Every U.S. House seat in Florida is on the ballot, allowing voters to select their representatives for the next two years. The state also holds elections for the State Senate, the State House, and the State Supreme Court. Local offices, including school boards and municipal government positions, are also up for election. These local races vary by county and are critical for community governance in towns like Tampa and St. Petersburg.

In addition to electing officials, Florida voters will decide on three statewide ballot measures. Amendment 1 concerns budget stabilization, proposing to increase the amount of funds retained in the budget stabilization fund from 10 percent to 25 percent of net general revenue. Amendment 2 addresses agriculture and tax exemptions, aiming to exempt agricultural-related tangible personal property, such as farm equipment, from property taxes. Amendment 3 involves local government and property taxes, proposing to increase the homestead tax exemption and limit how municipalities can spend property tax revenue.

The national context for this election is a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term. The Associated Press reports that voters are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. Polling from the AP and NORC indicates that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, while only 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most blaming the president for rising costs.

In the U.S. Senate, 35 seats are up for election, including 33 regular seats and two special elections. Republicans currently hold 53 seats, Democrats hold 45, and two independents caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the chamber. The Florida special election is part of this broader fight, though it is one of only two special elections this cycle, the other being in Ohio for the remainder of JD Vance's term.

Voters in Florida are using new congressional maps for this election. Florida is one of six states using new maps after mid-decade redistricting, alongside California, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The AP notes that these new districts may not vote as drawn, adding an element of uncertainty to the House races. In Tampa, voters are casting ballots in these newly defined districts, which could impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The mood at polling places is described as tense but orderly. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. The U.S. Postal Service added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. In Florida, the mix of in-person and mail voting is high, and officials are monitoring turnout closely.

For local voters, the day is about more than just national politics. The outcome of the governor's race and the ballot measures will have direct impacts on state budgets, tax policies, and local governance. In Tampa and St. Petersburg, the local races for school boards and municipal offices will shape the daily lives of residents. The AP notes that if Democrats win even one chamber of Congress, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely, which could have ripple effects on state-level policies.

As the day ends, the focus shifts to the counting of ballots. The results of the Florida special election for the U.S. Senate will be closely watched, as the seat is in a state that Trump won by 13.1 points in 2024. The AP reports that Republicans are bracing to lose the House but are fighting to hold the Senate. For now, the polls are open, and the decision rests with the voters in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas Park.