Florida voters to decide heated legislative primaries

TAMPA - Florida voters going to the polls will help decide 70 legislative races across the state.

(Scroll down for voting reminders and information about your county)

Tuesday's legislative elections follow the once-a-decade job of drawing new districts.

Despite the redrawn districts, 39 candidates were elected without opposition in June.

There are 70 legislative seats that have primaries, including four seats that have Democratic and Republican primaries.

Some of these legislative primaries have turned into heated contests and proxy battles, while others feature former legislators trying to return to office.

A handful of state Senate races could help swing the future leadership of that chamber since primary opponents are backing rivals for Senate president.

A number of primaries will also decide who's headed to the Legislature since the winner either faces a write-in candidate or no opponent in the November election.

A Republican U.S. Senate showdown highlights today's primary election. Former Congressman Dave Weldon and tea party favorite Mike McCalister are challenging a heavy favorite in U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV in the Republican Senate race.

Mack's famous name and better-financed campaign gives him an advantage in the GOP contest where the winner goes on to challenge Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in November. Nelson is seeking a third term in the U.S. Senate. Nelson holds the seat that Mack's father, Connie Mack III, held for a dozen years before retiring after serving two terms.

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As the final day for primary voting gets underway, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections has issued some reminders for voters heading out to the polls.

-  No photography is permitted in the polling room

-  Only voters registered with a political party can vote in that party’s primary

-  All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in nonpartisan contests including   school board and judicial races

-  Voters must vote in their precinct

-  Voters must have a valid form of a photo and signature ID when they vote. Examples include: Florida Driver License, Passport, Florida ID Card, Military ID card, Student ID, Public Assistance ID, Retirement ID

-  All ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m.

For voting information in your county, click on the appropriate link below:

• votecitrus.com (Citrus)
• www.hernandovotes.com (Hernando)
• votehillsborough.org (Hillsborough)
• www.votepinellas.com (Pinellas)
• www.pascovotes.com (Pasco)
• www.polkelections.com (Polk)
• www.srqelections.com (Sarasota)
• www.votemanatee.com (Manatee)