Early voting is underway in Ocoee and the mayor’s job up for grabs. Three candidates want to run the city: Rusty Johnson, Ronney Oliveira and Jim Sills.

Vote early, vote by absentee ballot or mark your calendar for Tuesday, Oct. 27,  for the special election (The former mayor retired at the end of July). Vote on that Tuesday at your polling place – if you live in the city and you are registered to vote.

The City of Orlando’s elections are soon after that, on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Several candidates want long-time Mayor Buddy Dyer’s job and two commission seats are open – District 4 and District 6.

Don’t take these local elections for granted. There have been some hotly debated issues in the City of Orlando, especially affecting African-American communities.

If you want to see more improvements in your neighborhood, research the candidates and cast your vote. Then, hold the people you help elect accountable to their campaign promises.

Voting is not only a right; it’s a privilege. It also ensures that your voice is heard – you help decide who leads your city, represents you and makes decisions on issues important to you.

Again, don’t take the right to vote in every election for granted. God knows things could change and have changed in regards to voting rights.

Find out who’s running and other details at your city clerk’s office or go to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office website: http://www.ocfelections.com. The phone number there is: (407) 836-2070.

– Trish Martin

Email: orlandocommunitynews@gmail.com