Voting is a Solemn Responsibility

One of the greatest privileges bestowed upon American citizens is their right to vote in our nation’s free and open elections. To do so, must first register to vote, a process that is simple and easy.

As of this writing, we will have had the opportunity to vote not only in the Primary Elections of 2022, but also in a referendum vote regarding a Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance for our community. This vote addressed community issues, as well as electing individuals to the Collier County School Board and District Court Judge Seats.

We are fortunate to have such a well-run Supervisor of Elections office and wonderful volunteers who assist on this important day at the polls. However, there is another important day which will soon be here, which is the General Election on November 8.

Should you have any lingering questions involving that day, you may simply go online at www.colliervotes.com to find the necessary information and instructions. You may also update your information, should you get married or move between now and the election. A visit to their website will allow you to review those requirements and the simple process to update that information online. If you are not comfortable working online or on a computer, you may receive simple instructions by calling the Collier County Elections Office at 239-252-8683 for friendly assistance.

Today, voting has become extremely easy, and you have a number of options which will allow you to exercise your rights as a United States citizen. You may choose to participate in the Vote by Mail process by simply applying for a mail in ballot. You may also choose to participate in the Early Voting Program which may eliminate a long wait on election day. You may also choose to vote on election day and exercise your rights on November 8th. 

As we get closer to the General Election Date, we will be giving you the necessary dates which will dictate when early voting occurs, as well as when Mail-In Ballots will be available, and the cut-off dates.

The General Election ballot will list the winning candidates from the August Primary Election. During this election, voters will have the opportunity to vote for a candidate regardless of their party affiliation. 

November 8 will find voters reporting to their assigned polling places, which will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM. Should you have questions regarding your official polling place you should call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 239-252-8683 or visit their website at www.colliervotes.com.

Count on the Coastal Breeze News to bring you up to date information regarding the election as it heads into the home stretch. Stay informed by visiting our website at www.coastalbreezenews.com and see all the breaking news on Marco Island.

Various civic organizations and political party groups will be holding events which will give you the opportunity to view candidates and hear their views on various issues affecting residents within Collier County, the City of Marco and for State Offices. Watch your local media outlets and the Coastal Breeze News for announcements regarding their locations and times, as well as reports regarding those forums.

Several friends of mine who voted by mail were excited to tell me that during the recent Primary Election that they received notification that their ballot had been received and counted by the Supervisor of Elections office. They were extremely excited to know that the process did work, and their ballot was received and would be counted and tallied with those votes received on Election Day.

Our system for voting and the ease of that process works, allowing all our citizens to participate in this age-old democratic process. Your vote will count, whether you come to the polls in early voting, choose to vote by mail or on Election Day.

Every effort has been made to provide you and your family the opportunity to participate in the Democratic process. We hope you’ll do so on November 8 at your assigned precinct and partake in the 2022 Election as we honor those who served and sacrificed to ensure you would have that right.