OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Election Day is next Tuesday, September 19, for one municipal race in the city of Ocala.
Ocala residents can vote for candidates vying for City Council District 2. Incumbent councilman Ire Bethea, Sr. faces opposition from educator “Coach” Reginald Landers. Bethea was elected to represent the district in 2020. District 2 encompasses the northwestern part of Ocala.
Combined the District 2 candidates raised just under $30,000 with Bethea raising roughly $8,000 more than Landers. With just a few days left to go in the race, both still have money left in their campaign coffers according to the financial disclosures on the Marion County Elections Supervisor’s website. Bethea has spent just over $7,000 and Landers a little more than $6,000.
Early voting began Thursday and goes through Saturday. You can vote today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to the Marion County Supervisor of Elections’ website since the election only affects voters that live within city limits, the only early voting site that will be open is the Marion County Election Center at 981 NE 16th Street.
Mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Sept. 19.
On Election Day, Tuesday, Sept. 19, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your polling place here.
The race for Mayor and City Council District 4 are also on the ballot this election cycle but neither faces a challenger.
Current Mayor Kent Guinn did not seek re-election. Ocala businessman Ben Marciano ran unopposed for the position and will be sworn in as Ocala’s next mayor on December 5.
District 4 Councilmember Kristen Dreyer joined the council in December 2021 and has no opposition.