BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
Tuesday, October 9th, is the last day an individual can register to vote during the 2012 General Election on November 6th. In order to afford this opportunity to unregistered citizens, Dr. Earl Lennard, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections has extended the hours of the Hillsborough County Elections Office.
Spokesman Travis Abercrombie said, “We have extended the hours from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. to accommodate anyone who cannot get to the office before 5 p.m. If a person cannot get to the office by 7 p.m., then he or she can return the application by mail. However, it must be postmarked by midnight on October 9th.”
As of Friday, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office had mailed 119,684 Vote By Mail ballots.
“With a six-page ballot looming, all registered voters in Hillsborough County are encouraged to consider voting by mail, a convenient and secure alternative to appearing in person to vote.
“Any citizen who wishes to register to vote may do so at any Supervisor of Elections Office, public library, or state agency that provides public assistance.”
Individuals who would like to visit one of the Supervisor of Elections Office to pick up a Vote By Mail Ballot can do so between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
There are four locations:Fred B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th floor, in downtown Tampa; Supervisor of Elections South Office, 10439 Gibsonton Drive; Supervisor of Elections Northwest Office, 12022 Anderson Road; and Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center, 2514 N. Falkenburg Road. Over the counter ballots can also be picked up at this location on Sunday, October 30.
The registered voter can complete the ballot and submit it at the office, complete it at home and return it by mail (postage paid), drop it off at any of the Early Voting locations between October 31 and November 3.
The last day an individual can request a Vote By Mail Ballot is Wednesday, October 31. If a registered voter plans to obtain the ballot over the counter, it can be picked up after the mailing deadline.
Early voting will begin on Saturday, October 27 and end on Saturday, November 3. Early voting hours are from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. The General Election 2012 will take place on Tuesday, November 6.
Abercrombie further said, “Once the Vote By Mail ballots are received, the will be counted. Any ballot in question will be forward to the Canvassing Board and the Canvassing Board will make a determination about the ballots.”
The Canvassing Board will hold its first public meeting at 3 p.m., on October 24th.
