Election season is just around the corner.
While there may be a lot of information circulating about national candidates, sometimes it is more difficult to find out the views, goals and intentions of state or local candidates who will be the ones directly running our surrounding community.
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There are numerous political events that allow opportunities to learn about the candidates who are going to be asking for your vote in both the August Primary and the General Election in November. Here is a list of some of them.
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If you know of any other local political meet-and-greet events not listed here that should be included, feel free to send us an email at web@wkmg.com.
Brevard County
Candidate Forum for School Board
- When: July 29, from 5:30-7 p.m.
- Where: Suntree Public Library
- What: This public forum is an opportunity to talk with the candidates running for Brevard County School Board. Registration not required to attend. This event is organized by the League of Women Voters of the Space Coast.
League of Women Voters Hob Nob
- When: Aug. 1, from 6-9 p.m.
- Where: Universalist Unitarian Church
- What: This public forum is an opportunity to talk with the candidates running for Brevard County public office. Registration not required to attend. This event is organized by the League of Women Voters of the Space Coast.
- When: Aug. 2, from 5-8 p.m.
- Where: Titusville Family YMCA
- What: This event allows voters to meet those running for office in the North Brevard area to discuss their positions, priorities and goals. This table-top event will provide opportunities to speak one-on-one with candidates. It is hosted by the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce and Titusville YMCA.
- When: Aug. 3, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Where: Cocoa Public Library
- What: This public forum is an opportunity to talk with the candidates running for offices of Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections and Sheriff. Registration not required to attend. This event is organized by the League of Women Voters of the Space Coast.
2024 Space Coast Political Hob Nob
- When: Aug. 6, from 5-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Space Coast Convention Center
- What: This political networking event allows for voters to meet, connect and talk with candidates running office in Brevard County. It will be hosted by the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce and other prominent organizations. Tickets are required to attend this event.
Brevard County Candidate Forum
- When: Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Space Coast Health Foundation
- What: This event provides an opportunity for Brevard County families and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage with local representatives and discuss the needs of the community concerning resources and services tailored to these underrepresented groups. This free event is made possible by the Brevard Autism Coalition and Angels Bridging Gaps.
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Lake County
- When: July 29, from 5-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Clermont Arts and Recreation Center
- What: This event allows residents to meet candidates running for political office at all seat levels, as well as discuss their individual campaigns and initiatives with them. It is hosted by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and free to the public, but registration is preferred.
Leadership Lake Political HobNob 2024
- When: July 30, at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Lake Sumter State College Gymnasium
- What: This event provides a chance to meet and talk with local candidates. There will be a straw poll vote and dinner catering provided by Oakwood. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at United Southern Bank at the Downtown Leesburg, Tavares and Mt. Dora locations.
Marion County
- When: July 30, from 5-8 p.m.
- Where: Livestock Pavilion Auditorium
- What: This candidate debate is open to the public and allows voters to get to know local candidates running in the upcoming election.
Orange County
Candidate Forum for Supervisor of Elections and Public Defender
- When: July 23, at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Location is private until interested attendees register.
- What: This event is an opportunity to learn about the Democratic candidates running for these offices in the August Primary. Registration is required to attend.
Fire Fighters Hob Nob and Straw Poll
- When: July 24, from 5-8 p.m.
- Where: Orange County Firefighters Association
- What: This event provides a chance for residents to mingle with local firefighters and candidates for the Orange County Legislative Body. The Orange County Supervisor of Elections will be conducting a straw poll. Tickets are required to attend this event.
- When: July 30, from 5-8 p.m.
- Where: VFW Community Center in Apopka
- What: This event, hosted by the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, is an opportunity for voters to get to know and hear from Orange County candidates running for office. Tickets are required to attend.
Hispanic Chamber Political Hob Nob
- When: July 31, from 4:30-7 p.m.
- Where: Andretti Indoor Karting and Games in Orlando
- What: This event is free and open to the public, no registration needed. It is an opportunity for business leaders, politicians and community members to come together for networking and meaningful conversations. It also offers a chance to connect with the Hispanic business community.
West Orange’s Hob Nob & Straw Poll
- When: Aug. 1, at 5 p.m.
- Where: Ocoee Lakeshore Center
- What: This event allows voters to hear from candidates running for office speak on key issues. It is hosted by the West Orange Chamber Commerce and tickets are required to attend.
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Osceola County
- When: July 24, at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Osceola Heritage Park
- What: This event is a fast-paced, “stump speech” party that allows voters to meet the candidates while enjoying snacks and drinks. There will be a straw vote and informative sessions.
Seminole County
- When: July 24, from 6-8:15 p.m.
- Where: Educational Support Center in Sanford
- What: This event is an opportunity to meet the candidates, hear them debate and ask them questions. Light refreshments will be served. This event is hosted by the Seminole County Council Parent Teacher Association.
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Candidate Forum sponsored by Rainbow SemDems
- When: Thursday, July 25 from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Register at the website above for the address
- What: The 2024 Candidate Forum will feature Democratic candidates appearing on the ballot. Event is sponsored by the Rainbow SemDems.
Volusia County
Local Elected Officials and Candidate Meet-and-Greet
- When: July 20, at 1 p.m.
- Where: 1381 Educators Rd., Daytona Beach
- What: This event is a chance to meet with current elected officials and candidates. Hosted by Volusia/Flagler Future Florida Labor Leaders, there will be light refreshments provided.
- When: Aug. 1, from 5-8 p.m.
- Where: The Center at Deltona
- What: This event, hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Central Florida, is a professional, political networking opportunity. It is open to the public, but registration is recommended.
- When: Aug. 6, at 4 p.m.
- Where: 3100 E New York Ave., DeLand
- What: This free-admission event, hosted by the DeLand & Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, will feature candidates representing both state and local levels of government. Residents will be able to register to vote, meet the candidates and learn about their stances on current issues.
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