OVERVIEW

Welcome to the City of Bartow Election Information Center. This information is intended to familiarize City Commission Candidates, campaign treasurers, and residents with the duties and responsibilities required under Florida's Election Laws, and the City of Bartow Charter. All requirements prescribed by State Statute, and included in this material, is subject to change by Florida Legislature.

To become a candidate, you must be a registered voter in Polk County, a qualified elector in the City of Bartow residing in the corporate limits of the City continuously for eighteen months immediately preceding the date of commencement of the term of office and hold no other public office. The terms are 3 years.

In addition to the qualifications above, for SEAT NO. 2 (Central District), SEAT NO. 3 (North District) and SEAT NO. 5 (East District), you must reside within your district.

As of October 25, 2023 the qualifying fee for the April 2, 2024 Election is $134.25 (1% of annual salary).

!! PUBLIC NOTICE !!

The election qualifying for the City of Bartow Regular Election expired at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2023.

The following candidates qualified for the April 2, 2024 City of Bartow Regular Election.

All seats were unopposed; therefore, no Regular Election will be held on April 2, 2024.

SEAT 1 – At Large District
Tanya Tucker (incumbent)
Term ends April 2027

SEAT 2 – Central District
Laura Simpson (appointed)
Term ends April 2027

SEAT 4 – At Large District
Gary Ball (appointed)
Term ends April 2026

CANDIDATE QUALIFYING

Monday, February 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST - Candidate Qualifying Begins

Friday, February 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST - Candidate Qualifying Ends

Qualifying packets are available in the City Clerk's Office, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).

2024 Election Qualifying SECTION 1 PACKET

2024 Election Qualifying SECTION 2 PACKET

2024 Election Qualifying SECTION 3 PACKET

2024 Election Qualifying SECTION 4 PACKET

NOTE - FOR THE CITY REGULAR ELECTION ONLY, your polling location is the Bartow Civic Center Game Room, located at 2250 South Floral Avenue. All registered voters who live inside the city limits are eligible to vote in this election. Polls will be open on election day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

CANVASSING BOARD 

The Canvassing Board for the City of Bartow Regular Election will meet at 5:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Supervisor of Elections Operations Center located at 70 Florida Citrus Blvd., Winter Haven, Florida to canvass the ballots cast in the city election and to receive the unofficial election results pursuant to 102.141(2), F.S. The Canvassing Board Members include City Manager Mike Herr, City Attorney Sean R. Parker and City Clerk Jacqueline Poole. The Canvassing Board Alternate Members include Asst. City Manager David Wright, Asst. City Attorney Savannah Cerullo-Young and Asst. City Clerk Donna Donaldson.

POLLING LOCATION

ALL PRECINCTS WILL VOTE AT THE BARTOW CIVIC CENTER - 2250 S. FLORAL AVENUE.

REGISTERING TO VOTE

City residents who are not registered to vote but would like to participate in the April 2, 2024 City Election, have until March 6th to submit their completed voter registration form to the Elections Office in Bartow. For information to register to vote go to the voter registration information page at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections website at www.polkelections.gov. Printed applications are available at Polk County Supervisor of Elections office, Bartow City Hall, at local post offices and libraries.

Registered voters are reminded to update the elections office with any name or address changes prior to Election Day. You can change your information online at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections website at www.polkelections.com.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Can’t make it to the polls? To request an absentee ballot, please contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections a minimum of 10 days prior to election date at 863-534-5888 or visit www.polkelections.gov