Florida voting today for House District 35 and Orlando mayor. Here are elections to know

As the GOP presidential hopefuls prepare to try convincing the nation why they would be a better choice for president than former president Donald Trump — who will be holding a competing rally the same night, 11 miles away — a number of local elections are happening today around Florida.

Several local city and county positions are up for grabs today. Aside from any happening in your area, here are the key races to watch:

Florida House District 35

Republican Fred Hawkins won the seat handily in 2022 but stepped down in June to accept the role of president of South Florida State College, the sole candidate put forward by the trustees. A special election is being held to elect his replacement, and the party primaries are today. The candidates for Florida House District 35 are:

REPUBLICANS

• Erika Booth, former school employee and member of the Osceola County School Board

• Ken Davenport, flight attendant and real estate agent, narrowly lost primary to Hawkins in 2022

• Scotty Moore, non-profit consultant, previous contender for U.S. House District 9.

DEMOCRATS

• Rishi Bagga, attorney, former prosecutor, lost to Hawkins in 2022

• Marucci Guzman, executive director for Latino Leadership

• Tom Keen, Navy veteran and businessman

District 35 covers most of Osceola County and east Orange County. This is a primary, which in Florida means you must be registered as Republican or Democrat to vote and may only vote for candidates in your party.

Florida voter registration guide: How to check voter registration, where to vote, what to know

Orlando city elections

There are county commission seats on the ballot but all eyes are on the mayoral election. Incumbent Buddy Dyer, who has been the mayor of Orlando longer than anyone in the city's history, is facing three challengers for what he says will be his last 4-year term. The people challenging him are:

• Sam Ings, retired Orlando Police Department Captain and former Orlando city commissioner

• Tony Vargas, business owner and fitness trainer

• Steve Dixon, former marine and defense industry executive

If none of the candidates in today's election receives at least 50% plus one vote, a run-off election will be held Dec. 5.

What do I need to vote in Florida today?

You can find your voting locations here.

ID is required to vote in Florida during early voting and on Election Day. You must bring a current and valid photo ID with a signature. Valid IDs include:

• Florida driver’s license

• Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

• United States passport

• Debit or credit card

• Military identification

• Student identification

• Retirement center identification

• Neighborhood association identification

• Public assistance identification

• Veteran health identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

• License to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant to s. 790.06

• Employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality.

If you don't have a valid ID with you when you go to the polls you still will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted provided you are eligible to vote, you voted in the correct precinct, and your signature matches the one on file.

Can I drop off my absentee ballot at the poll in Florida?

Ballots may be returned by mail or in person and all ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

You can't drop off a completed ballot on Election Day, but if you go to the polls to vote, you can bring your vote-by-mail ballot (completed or not) with you so it can be canceled.

What time are the polls open in Florida?

The polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in whatever time zone you live in. Any voters still in line at 7 p.m. will be permitted to cast a ballot however long it takes.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Election day for Florida House District 35 primary, Orlando mayor race