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Election Information
Overview
Welcome to the City of Winter Haven Election Information Center. The information contained on this page is intended to familiarize City Commission candidates, campaign treasurers, and residents with upcoming election information.
Per the City of Winter Haven Charter, elections for City Commission occur in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November (If a Run-Off election is needed, it would occur on the first Tuesday in December).
The City Clerk serves as the supervisor of elections for all City elections and is the official qualifying officer for candidates seeking elected office within the City.
To vote in City of Winter Haven elections, you must reside within the City limits.
Qualifications to Become a Candidate:
- U.S. citizen and resident of Florida
- Registered voter in Florida (you must be at least 18) and a registered voter in Polk County
- Reside in the City limits of Winter Haven at the time of qualifying
City Commission Seats are:
- At-large
- Non-partisan
- Terms are 4 years
2025 Municipal Candidate Packets (to include electronic versions) were made available through the City Clerk’s Office. To view a copy or for questions or information, please contact us.
Regular Election - Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (Polls open 7am-7pm)
- 2025 Election - Public Notice - Notice of Election (ENGLISH)
- 2025 Election - Public Notice - Notice of Election (SPANISH)
NOVEMBER 4, 2025 REGULAR ELECTION
Seat Number 4 - Currently held by Commissioner Bradley T. Dantzler
Seat Number 5 - Currently held by Commissioner Clifton E. Dollison
DECEMBER 2, 2025 RUN-OFF ELECTION
Seat Number 4 - Currently held by Commissioner Bradley T. Dantzler
Began Monday, September 15, 2025 at NOON
Ended Friday, September 19, 2025 at NOON
QUALIFYING FEES:
$50.00 + $165.33 = $215.33 TOTAL (Qualifying fee and 1% of the position's annual salary)
OR
$50.00 + $165.33 + petitions = $215.33 TOTAL (Qualifying fee, 1% of the position's annual salary and petitions. Once petition signatures are verified, $50.00 will be returned)
2025 Election - Public Notice - Candidate Qualifying Reminder
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES THAT WILL BE PLACED ON THE BALLOT FOR THE REGULAR ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 4, 2025:
For Seat 4:
- Matthew Crowley
- Chad Davis
- Manuel Fonseca
For Seat 5:
- Clifton E. Dollison
- Melinda Eve Kalogridis
Sample Ballot for Nov. 4, 2025 Regular Election
Sample Ballot for Dec. 2, 2025 Run-Off Election
2025 Election - Precinct and Polling Locations (English)
2025 Election - Precinct and Polling Locations (Spanish)
2025 Run Off Election - Precinct and Polling Locations (English) *Same as Regular Election
2025 Run Off Election - Precinct and Polling Locations (Spanish) *Same as Regular Election
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| LOCATIONS FOR THE REGULAR AND RUN-OFF ELECTIONS |
REGULAR ELECTION
The L & A Test for the 2025 Regular Election was held on October 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center. The Public was welcome to attend.
- 70 Florida Citrus Boulevard
Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Phone: 863-534-5888
(Note: This L & A public notice is published by the Supervisor of Elections and was also posted under their "Public Notices" section on the Polk Elections website homepage.
Canvassing Board Members*:
(Consists of Commissioners not running for candidacy)
- Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
- Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates
- Commissioner Bradley T. Dantzler
- Commissioner Tracy Mercer
*NOTE: Alternate Members are City Manager T. Michael Stavres and City Clerk Vanessa Castillo
Canvassing Board Member(s) that were present at the L&A Test:
- Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates
RUN-OFF ELECTION
The L & A Test for the 2025 Run-Off Election will be held on November 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center. The Public is welcome to attend.
- 70 Florida Citrus Boulevard
Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Phone: 863-534-5888
(Note: This L & A public notice is published by the Supervisor of Elections and also posted under their "Public Notices" section on the Polk Elections website homepage.
Canvassing Board Members*:
(Consists of Commissioners not running for candidacy)
- Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
- Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates
- Commissioner Bradley T. Dantzler
- Commissioner Tracy Mercer
- Commissioner Clifton E. Dollison
*NOTE: Alternate Members are City Manager T. Michael Stavres and City Clerk Vanessa Castillo
Canvassing Board Member(s) that were present at the L&A Test:
- Mayor Nathaniel Jr. Birdsong, Jr.
REGULAR ELECTION MEETINGS
2025 Election - Canvassing Board Meeting - Clerk to Give Report (on Nov. 3) (ENGLISH & SPANISH) ADA
- Canvassing Board Meeting for City Clerk to give a report on vote-by-mail ballots requested, issued, and returned and request permission of the Canvassing Board to start processing the ballots determined valid - Monday, November 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Winter Haven City Hall - John Fuller Auditorium.
- Canvassing of Vote by Mail and Provisional Ballots - Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center.
- Certify Election Results and Random Race and Precinct Selection - Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 5:05 p.m. at Winter Haven City Hall - John Fuller Auditorium.
2025 Election - Canvassing Board Meeting - Post Election Audit (on Nov. 12) (ENGLISH & SPANISH) ADA
- Post-Election Audit - Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center.
RUN-OFF ELECTION MEETINGS
- Canvassing Board Meeting for City Clerk to give a report on vote-by-mail ballots requested, issued, and returned and request permission of the Canvassing Board to start processing the ballots determined valid - Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Winter Haven City Hall - John Fuller Auditorium
- Canvassing of Vote by Mail and Provisional Ballots - Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center
- Certify Election Results and Random Precinct Selection - Thursday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Winter Haven City Hall - John Fuller Auditorium
- Post-Election Audit - Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center
To register to vote, make changes to your voter registration, obtain due dates, and other information, please contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 or the Polk Elections website. Printed applications are available at both Polk County Supervisor of Elections offices, local post offices and libraries.
NOVEMBER 4, 2025, REGULAR ELECTION
The Polk County Supervisor of Elections shall provide walk-in voting at Election Headquarters in Bartow, the Election Operations Center in Winter Haven and the Polk County Government Center; 930 East Parker St. in Lakeland starting Monday, October 27, 2025, until Friday, October 31, 2025. Election Headquarters and Election Operations Center will also be open Monday, November 3rd. Hours of operation will be from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays.
DECEMBER 2, 2025, RUN-OFF ELECTION
The Elections Supervisor shall provide walk-in voting at Election Headquarters in Bartow and the Election Operations Center in Winter Haven starting Monday, November 24, 2025, through Wednesday, November 26, 2025 and Monday, December 1, 2025. Hours of operation will be from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. (***PLEASE NOTE***: Walk in voting at the Lakeland Courthouse is no longer available for this election)
Commissioner Dollison was elected to Seat No 5.
A Run-off Election will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 for Seat No. 4 between Matthew Crowley and Chad Davis.
Regular Election AND Special Election - Tuesday, November 7, 2023 (Polls open 7am-7pm)
- 2023 Election - Public Notice - Notice of Elections (ENGLISH)
- 2023 Election - Public Notice - Notice of Election(s) (SPANISH)
- 2023 SPECIAL Election - Public Notice - Notice of Election (ENGLISH)
- 2023 SPECIAL Election - Public Notice - Notice of Election (SPANISH)
Special Run-Off Election - Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (Polls open 7 am to 7 pm)
Seat Number 1 - Currently held by Commissioner Tracy Mercer
Seat Number 2 - Currently held by Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
Seat Number 3 - Currently held by Commissioner Brian Yates
Seat Number 5 - Currently held by Commissioner Clifton E. Dollison (To fill the remaining unexpired term to 2025)
Began Monday, September 18, 2023 at NOON
Ended Friday, September 22, 2023 at NOON
QUALIFYING FEES:
$50.00 + $130.48 = $180.48 (Qualifying fee and 1% of the position's annual salary)
OR
$50.00 + $130.48 + petitions (Once petition signatures are verified, $50.00 will be returned)
2023 Election - Public Notice - Candidate Qualifying Reminder
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES THAT WERE PLACED ON THE BALLOT:
For Seat 1:
- Kim Davis
- L. Tracy Mercer (***UPDATE: Won the November 7, 2023, Regular Municipal Election)
For Seat 5:
- Johnathon D. Bush (***UPDATE: Candidate in the December 5, 2023, Special Run-Off Election)
- Clifton E. Dollison (***UPDATE: Won the December 5, 2023, Special Run-Off Election)
- Tom D. Freijo
Qualified Candidates That Were Unopposed
- Seat 2 - Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
- Seat 3 - Brian Yates
Sample Ballot with Qualified Candidates
The L & A Test for the 2023 Regular and Special Election was held on October 31, 2023, at 2:30 pm at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center. The Public is welcome to attend.
- 70 Florida Citrus Boulevard
Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Phone: 863-534-5888
(Note: This L & A public notice is published by the Supervisor of Elections and also posted under their "Public Notices" section on the Polk Elections website homepage.
Canvassing Board Members:
(Consists of Commissioners not running for candidacy)
- Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler
- Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
- Commissioner Brian Yates
Canvassing Board Member(s) that were present at the L&A Test:
- Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler
- Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
- Commissioner Brian Yates
The L & A Test for the 2023 Run-Off Special Election will be held on November 28, 2023, at 3 pm at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center. The Public is welcome to attend.
- 70 Florida Citrus Boulevard
Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Phone: 863-534-5888
(Note: The L & A public notice will be published by the Supervisor of Elections and also posted under their "Public Notices" section on the Polk Elections website homepage.
Canvassing Board Members:
(consists of Commissioners not running for candidacy)
- Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler
- Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
- Commissioner Brian Yates
- Commissioner Tracy Mercer
Canvassing Board Member(s) present at the L&A Test:
- Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler
- 2023 Regular and Special Election - Public Notice - Canvassing Board Meeting - Clerk to Give Report (English and Spanish) (PDF)
- Canvassing Board Meeting for City Clerk to give a report on vote-by-mail ballots requested, issued, and returned and request permission of the Canvassing Board to start processing the ballots determined valid - Thursday, November 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Winter Haven City Hall - John Fuller Auditorium.
- 2023 Regular and Special Election - Public Notice - Canvass Vote By Mail and Provisional Ballots (English and Spanish) (PDF)
- Canvassing of Vote by Mail and Provisional Ballots - Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center.
- 2023 Regular and Special Election - Public Notice - Certify Election Results and Random Race and Precinct Selection (English and Spanish) (PDF)
- Certify Election Results and Random Race and Precinct Selection - Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. at Winter Haven City Hall - John Fuller Auditorium.
- 2023 Regular and Special Election - Public Notice - Post-Election Audit (English and Spanish) (PDF)
- Post-Election Audit - Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center.
- 2023 RUN-OFF Special Election - Canvassing Board Meeting - Clerk to Give Report (ENGLISH & SPANISH) (PDF)
- Canvassing Board Meeting for City Clerk to give a report on vote by mail ballots requested, issued, and returned and request permission of the Canvassing Board to start processing the ballots determined valid – Thursday, December 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Winter Haven City Hall – John Fuller Auditorium.
- 2023 RUN-OFF Special Election - Public Notice - Canvas Vote By Mail & Provisional Ballots (ENGLISH & SPANISH) (PDF)
- Canvassing of Vote by Mail & Provisional Ballots – Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center.
- 2023 RUN-OFF Special Election - Public Notice - Certify Election Results & Random Race and Precinct Selection (ENGLISH & SPANISH) (PDF)
- Certify Election Results and Random Race and Precinct Selection – Friday, December 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Winter Haven City Hall – John Fuller Auditorium.
- 2023 RUN-OFF Special Election - Public Notice - Post-Election Audit (ENGLISH & SPANISH) (PDF)
- Post-Election Audit – Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Operations Center.
To register to vote, make changes to your voter registration, obtain due dates, and other information, please contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 or the Polk Elections website. Printed applications are available at both Polk County Supervisor of Elections offices, City of Winter Haven City Hall, local post offices and libraries.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE TO INTERPRET FLORIDA STATUTES CONTAINED WITHIN FLORIDA LAW. FOR ANY INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW OR FOR A LEGAL OPINION, CONTACT THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF ELECTIONS AT (850) 245-6200.