City Staff Given Paid Leave To Vote Nov. 3 In St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The city of St. Petersburg encourages its staff and residents to get out and vote or volunteer at the polls during early voting or on Election Day.

Mayor Rick Kriseman hopes to start a new tradition for city employees and announced that each member will receive two hours of paid leave they can use when they vote or volunteer at the polls in the general election.

"I am pleased to provide this opportunity to you and thank you for your continued hard work through challenging times," said Kriseman in an email to city staff. "While this is the first time such an opportunity has been afforded, my hope is that this is the beginning of a new tradition for the City of St. Petersburg. Please take advantage of it."

Early voting for the presidential elections takes place in St. Petersburg from Oct. 19 to Nov. 1, according to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.

"It's a very important election," Kriseman told Patch. "Anyone who can vote, should. Our vote is our voice. I also strongly encourage everyone to get involved in the democratic process. Get civically engaged. There's too much at stake to be on the sidelines."

Kriseman said that he would love to see businesses in St. Pete follow the city's lead with allowing employees paid leave time to go vote and/or volunteer.

Early voting sites in St. Petersburg include:

• Supervisor of Elections Office - County Building - 501 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 33701
• SPC Allstate Center - 3200 34th St. S, St. Petersburg, 33733

Early voting hours at each site are daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about voting and elections in St. Petersburg, visit Vote Pinellas.