November 1, 2017, Orlando — City of Orlando residents: It’s your turn.

You get to vote for your commissioner if you’re in District 1, 3 or 5 during the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. 

If you are registered to vote, you can vote by mail (absentee ballot), vote early (which got started this week and ends on Sunday, Nov. 5) or you can go to your city polling place on Tuesday.

The election campaign season has been a lively one, with all three commissioners having competition to keep their seats and defend their work at debates. Competition could be a sign that more and more residents want to take stake in their city, showing their concern about issues such as gentrification/city development, homelessness, economic development and crime. 

Jim Gray (District 1) has two competitors: Sunshine Grund and Tom Keen. Robert Stuart (District 3) has one: Asima Azam. There were over nine people running for Regina Hill’s (District 5) seat. Two withdrew their candidacy. Another one entered but it’s unclear whether he qualified. Here are the other six candidates vying for Hill’s seat: Jibreel Ali, Ericka Dunlap, Sarah Abuobadia Elbardri; Betty Gelzer, Cynthia Harris and Ondria James. 

Go online and research the candidates.

It’s time to vote. After the election, you can attend city council meetings and express your concerns on the various issues. Hold the people elected accountable.

Early voting is always a good idea because you can go when it’s most convenient for you. It’s going on now through Sunday at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806.  

Early voting hours are: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Today is the deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to your residence. That ballot as to be returned to the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

The hours on Election Day is 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at your city polling place.

If you need more information, call the Supervisor of Elections Office: (407) 836-2070 or visit the website: http://www.ocfelections.com.

© Orlando Community News, 2017