Early voting kicks off in Hillsborough, Polk counties

TAMPA, Fla. — Early voting begins Monday in two Bay area counties.

Voters in Hillsborough and Polk counties can head to the polls starting today.

Other Bay area counties are set to follow, with early voting beginning Tuesday in Polk County. Citrus County residents can begin voting March 8 and Pinellas, Hernando and Manatee will follow on March 9.

All counties in Florida must begin early voting by the 9^th.

Election Day for Floridians is Tuesday, March 19. 

MAIL-IN VOTING 

there is a rules change for mail-in voting: Residents now have to request a mail-in ballot for every election in Florida.

Previously, residents were able to check a box on your current mail-in ballot to continue voting by mail.

Voters now have to make a request for every election and you can do that online or at any local supervisor of elections office.

The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.