With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, November 5, your vote plays a vital role in shaping our community. From healthcare to education and public safety, the decisions made in this election will impact us all. Voting isn’t just about choosing leaders—it directly influences public health. Studies show that areas with higher voter turnout often see better health outcomes, underscoring the importance of making your voice heard.

Create your voting plan and check your registration status

Get ready to cast your ballot by making a voting plan:

• Early voting: Available from October 21 to November 3.
• Mail in ballots: Review instructions, deadlines, and check your mail-in ballot status at Check your status.
• Election Day: Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 5.
• Check your registration: Confirm your voter registration status at VotePinellas.gov.
• Find your polling place: Use VotePinellas.gov to locate your precinct or early voting locations.
• Plan your trip to the polls: Decide on your transportation, whether by car, bus, or carpool.

The impact of voting extends to public health. After women won the right to vote in 1920, elected officials enacted public health measures, reducing child deaths by 20,000 annually, according to the 2008 study in the Quarterly Journal of Economics. Recent research also reveals that counties with higher voter turnout experience better health outcomes, including lower rates of heart disease and improved mental health.

Why voting matters

A 2023 study in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas found that improved access to voting correlates with better health outcomes based on factors like premature mortality, active physicians, and poverty. The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion includes voter participation among its Healthy 2030 goals, aimed at improving public health.

States with policies that make voting easier—such as same-day registration, mail-in ballots, or restored voting rights for felons—often see higher participation and better public health. More access to voting leads to healthier communities, while restricted access can exacerbate health disparities. Civic engagement through voting shapes how resources are allocated to support public health and community well-being.

For questions, contact the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections at 727-464-VOTE (727-464-8683) or email them. Discover more about voting and health through the Healthy St. Pete Foundation.

Early Voting Locations

• Centre of Palm Harbor – 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor, FL 34683
• Countryside Recreation Center – 2640 Sabal Springs Dr., Clearwater, FL 33761
• Gulfport Neighborhood Center – 1617 49th St. S., Gulfport, FL 33707
• J.W. Cate Recreation Center – 5801 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710
• Supervisor of Elections Office – County Building – 501 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• Supervisor of Elections Office – Election Service Center – 13001 Starkey Rd., Starkey Lakes Corporate Center, Largo, FL 33773
• Supervisor of Elections Office – Pinellas County Courthouse – 315 Court St., Room 117, Clearwater, FL 33756

You may visit any early voting site with picture and signature ID to cast a regular ballot. Without ID, you will vote by provisional ballot.

Make your plan and vote—your voice matters.