Gibson Campaign Encourages Vote by Mail for April 7 City Election

The Robin Gibson Campaign supports the "strong encouragement" by the Lake Wales city clerk for citizens to vote by mail rather than risk social interaction at the polling places.

"Citizens should not lose their right to vote because of concerns about COVID-19," said incumbent Commissioner Robin Gibson in a news release encouraging citizens to vote by mail before the April 7 city election.

Gibson said the campaign would like to play a role in facilitating the vote, but election laws prohibit candidates from assisting voters with filling out of transporting absentee ballots to county elections headquarters, "so all we are left to do is encourage voter turnout."

Saturday March 28 is the deadline for citizens to request ballots to vote by mail. Ballots can be requested online at http://www.polkelections.com or by calling the elections office at 863-534-5888. They must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m. April 7.

Voters will be asked to choose between Gibson and challenger Bob Wood for a 3-year-term representing the Seat 5 district. Seat 3 incumbent Terrye Howell was declared re-elected when her opponent, Gregory Massey, dropped out of the race. Because the deadline had passed, the Seat 3 race will be on the ballot but votes will not count.