If you’re out and about, you’re getting a reminder what the state animal is.
This time of year, in a year like this, it’s the campaign sign, propped up on metal or wooden legs.
Candidates officially qualified for their races last month, and it’s time — if they want to win — for them to get out there and start campaigning.
Brace yourselves. It’s going to be a busy election cycle here in Osceola County. This August, it begins with primary elections for the Osceola County School Board (three races), St. Cloud City Council (two), Kissimmee City Commission (two) and Osceola County Commission (two). Osceola County also elects four state Representatives, in three radically new districts, our state Senator and U.S. Congressman. And that doesn’t include what will be spirited races for Governor and one of our U.S. Senators.
Those of you in The Oaks, Reunion and VillaSol will also elect members to your community development district.
Whew.
So consider this a guide to the 2022 election. Here at the News-Gazette, we’re about to make everyone busy, starting with the candidates.
Here’s the plan: starting this week, we’ll be sending out, via the email address you’ve listed with the Supervisor of Elections, questions for your candidate profiles, that will run in print and at AroundOsceola.com in late July and early August. The hope is to run them as early voting is starting on Aug. 8, so promptness will be a great asset!
Soon after the email, our reporters will be calling to, first, confirm you’ve received it, and second, to answer a couple questions about your campaign. After all, the whole exam should not be a take-home test! We’ll then run the profiles grouped by board and each race.
Now that I’ve given the candidates some insight, here’s something for the rest of you here in Osceola County — VOTE! And do it in both August and the Nov. 8 general election. In this election cycle, we will elect those who will serve in St. Cloud, Kissimmee (for both the city and county), Tallahassee and Washington. It’s important.
And it’s not difficult to find the time. You can vote during early voting (Even on the weekends!) two weeks before Election Day. If you prefer to do it by mail — it’s not an endorsement, just a suggestion — head over to www.VoteOsceola. com and click “Request a Mail Ballot”.
Here’s the great thing: you can use the profiles the candidates put together for your voting research, among other things. We’re working to get the schedules for any local political debates that will be heldd.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay connected with the News-Gazette, your local source for local news — like local elections.
And, just think, in less than four months, the signs will come down.
