BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday, the Hillsborough County Black Elected Officials, in conjunction with U. S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor will kick off Early Voting with an 8 a.m. breakfast at the Open Café, 3332 N. 34th Street.
State Senator Arthenia Joyner, State Representative Betty Reed, County Commissioner Les Miller, Jr., City Councilman Frank Reddick, Plant City Mayor Mary Mathis, and School Board member Doretha Edgecomb are inviting members of the community to join them for breakfast. The “Dutch Treat” breakfast (everyone pays for his or her own food), is in recognition of the first day of Early Voting.
On Sunday, the same group of elected officials will partner with the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP, and churches for “Souls to the Polls.” Individuals who don’t vote on Saturday, October 27th, can cast their ballots on Sunday, October 28th, as part of “Souls to the Polls” Initiative.
Ministers throughout the community are encouraged to urge their congregations to cast their ballots early. Five libraries and the Robert L. Gilder Elections Center, 25143 N. Falkenburg Road, will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The libraries are: C. Blythe Andrews, Jr., Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. M. L. King, Jr., Blvd.; Plant City, Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon Street, Plant City; the Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway, Temple Terrace; the West Tampa Library, 2312 W. Union Street; and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 West Bearss Avenue.
For those who want to obtain a Vote By Mail ballots, the last day to request one is October 31st. The ballot can be mailed or dropped off at one of the voting locations.
The last day to participate in Early Voting is Saturday, November 3rd. The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 6th.
