Celebrate Latinos and the right to vote
This September 15 marks an important day, as it is both National Voter Registration Day and the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. Of the nearly 13.5 million active eligible voters in Florida, almost 2.5 million are Latino.
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Florida has put severe limitations on third-party voter registration organizations that normally work with historically excluded communities. But it’s still a straightforward process for people to register to become first-time voters. And the 2026 general election is the perfect time to start voting.
With 16.4 million citizens of voting age in Florida, there are still a few million Floridians who may be eligible but have not yet registered.
Eligible Floridians who meet the voter registration requirements — which include being a citizen of the United States — can register. Current registered voters can check their voter status and ensure their personal information, address, or signature is up to date.
The voter registration deadline for the 2026 general election is Oct 5. To register, go to registertovoteflorida.gov or visit your county’s supervisor of elections office. You can also contact a trusted community organization authorized to register voters in Florida.
In Florida, all official voter registration tools must be available in Spanish.
Encourage every Floridian who meets the voter registration requirements to cast their ballot in this next election.
— Ricardo Negron-Almodovar, Orlando
Ricardo Negron-Almodovar is Florida senior campaign manager for All Voting is Local.
Jolly is the clear choice
Now that Byron Donalds has vowed to both magically cloak Florida in “affordability” (despite his party’s 30-year power grip crippling the poor and middle class) and to faithfully replicate the DeSantis agenda, donors and voters of sound mind (and heart) should back David Jolly. His campaign and plans ring true. Our citizenry needs to know what I see as its clear choice: a muddy-signaled Trump pick with scads of billionaire cash (Donalds); or Jolly, a smart, humane and humble man who has displayed blueprints for change.
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To counteract the corporate gazillions zapped to Donalds from data centers, utilities, insurance companies, casinos, the Chamber of Commerce, big sugar and land developers, Jolly needs our help and the Democratic National Committee’s help. This race is winnable.
As I see it, elections are when Republicans suddenly care about poor people and the environment after having just spent their entire terms making sure no funds for these ever see the light of day. Donalds really does seem sure that his lip service is enough, hoping Trump diehards march lockstep for him to the polls, not questioning their great Oz or seeing the cognitive dissonance.
Donalds’ stated support for data centers alone should alarm voters. Jolly has said he will put a moratorium on these. He said he will revisit the Hope Florida funds diversion scandal and FWC’s nauseating bear hunts. I believe that with Jolly comes a chance for sunlight and integrity again in state government.
— Rebecca Eagan, Winter Park
Compassion over greed
People of Florida, do not be short-sighted this November. Our cities need our property taxes for libraries, schools, public hospitals, police, fire, garbage pickups and roads. I am retired, on a fixed income. Could I use a tax break? Sure, but considering the modest amount for the services I enjoy, I gladly pay it.
Instead, we should get our lawmakers to control the greed when it comes to homeowners’ insurance. We should not be shy about shopping around. I got dropped by Citizens for no reason and had to get new insurance at almost three times what my taxes are for a very modest home.
I finally paid for a windstorm survey, found a different insurer and now pay half what I was. I just hope that holds at renewal time. So please, vote responsibly in November, and think of the greater good, not just yourselves. Choose compassion over greed.
— Barbra Nightingale, Hollywood
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