Guest Commentary | Ensuring smooth and successful elections
By TOMMY DOYLE
Although the 2026 midterm elections are a year away, my team and I are preparing at every level to ensure a smooth and successful election process.
We are updating our poll worker lists and Election Day procedures manual and actively recruiting for the upcoming year.
Elections would not be possible without the incredible work of our dedicated poll workers! If you are looking for a rewarding way to contribute to your community, I invite you to join our team. You can complete the poll workers application on our website at lee.vote.
Our election preparation also includes routine maintenance of our voting equipment. This involves verifying inventory and a thorough inspection. Voters can trust that every piece of equipment is accounted for and in excellent working condition. We will repeat this process in 2026 before the election season begins.
Network security continues to be a top priority. I am pleased to share that our security and defense system received high marks from a recent Department of State evaluation. We will uphold those strong protections and implement new measures when needed. Visit our website to learn more about the many safeguards we have in place to ensure secure and accurate elections.
In other news, we are on track to complete the second phase of our voter registration list maintenance. On Sept. 15, we will mail an “Address Confirmation Final Notice” to approximately 32,000 voters. Per state law, these notices will be mailed to voters who have not voted in the last two general elections (or an intervening election) and have not updated their voter registration. Voters receiving the notice must respond promptly to prevent voter registration issues and help keep our voter rolls current for the upcoming elections.
Make your voice heard! Now is the perfect time to get election-ready. If your address, name, party affiliation, or your Florida’s driver’s license or ID number has changed, please take a moment to update your voter registration with our office. If you plan to vote by mail, you must renew your request with our office, as all requests from previous years have expired. Request your vote-by-mail ballot and ensure your voter registration is up-to-date at lee.vote.
We are ready to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at elections@lee.vote or 239-533-8683.
Tommy Doyle is the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, visit lee.vote or call 239-533-8683.