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Hillsborough County Primary Elections 2026: Candidates, How To Vote

Democrats, Republicans can vote in Hillsborough County primary races, including governor, U.S. Senate, local elections on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County voters will decide on the Democratic and Republican nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, and state legislative races in Tuesday's primary election, along with local contests.

While some races might be decided Tuesday, many candidates will move on to the Nov. 3 general election.

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All polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to bring a photo ID with you if you vote in person. (See more information on how to find your polling place or track your mail-in ballot below.)

Candidates

Among the local races being considered in the primary are county commission and school board contests.

Voters will also have a say on several county referendums.

A sample ballot for the primary can be found here.

The following candidates are on the ballot Tuesday:

Democrats Only:

U.S. Senator

Representative in Congress - District 12

Representative in Congress - District 15

Governor

Chief Financial Officer

Commissioner of Agriculture

State Senator - District 20

State Representative - District 64

Board of County Commissioners - District 3

Board of County Commissioners - District 7

Republicans Only:

U.S. Senator

Representative in Congress - District 14

Governor

Chief Financial Officer

Commissioner of Agriculture

State Representative - District 64

Board of County Commissioners - District 5

Nonpartisan & Municipal Ballot

State Senator - District 16

State Representative - District 62

State Representative - District 63

13th Judicial Circuit - Group 7

13th Judicial Circuit - Group 13

Hillsborough County School Board - District 2

Hillsborough County School Board - District 6

Referendums

How to Vote in Hillsborough County

Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. If you are in line at 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote, but if you arrive at the polling place after 7 p.m., you will not be allowed to vote.

In order to cast your ballot in the 2024 primary election, you'll need to bring a valid and current photo and signature ID to your polling station.

Acceptable forms of ID in Florida include:

If your photo ID doesn't contain your signature, an additional ID with your signature is required.

Without proper identification, you may still vote with a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility.

If you're not sure where to vote, you can look up your polling station on the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website.

If you voted by mail, you can track the status of your ballot here.

Voters are welcome to bring a sample ballot to the polling place marked with their choices so there are no delays in voting.

When you arrive at the polls:

  1. Check in with your valid and current photo and signature ID.
  2. Receive your paper ballot and proceed to a privacy booth.
  3. Using the black pen provided, completely fill in the oval next to each of your selections.
  4. Review your ballot. If you wish to make changes, request another ballot.
  5. If you have any questions, ask a poll worker before you insert the ballot in the scanner. Once a ballot has been accepted, it cannot be retrieved.
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