Special Election Alert: Orange County Supervisor of Elections Announces Important Dates for Sept. 2 Election

Published on Fri, 07/18/2025 - 06:00

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel is urging residents to prepare to vote in the September 2 Special General Election for Florida Senate District 15 and House District 40 and is sharing related election dates.  

A special election, called by the Governor and carried out by the local Supervisor of Elections, is held to fill an office that has become vacant between regularly scheduled general elections for a respective office or offices. In Orange County, a domino effect of vacancies occurred following the passing of Senator Geraldine Thompson earlier this year.  

“While this Special Election is happening at an unusual time, the decisions made now will have long lasting effects on our community,” said Karen Castor Dentel, Orange County Supervisor of Elections. “Don’t wait for major elections to get involved. Every eligible voice is needed now!” 

Upcoming Key Special Election Dates & Deadlines 

  • UOCAVA ballots mailed to eligible citizens: Friday, July 18, 2025 

  • Deadline to Register to Vote: Monday, August 4, 2025 

  • Any new voters in Senate District 15 / House District 40 must be registered by this date. Changes of address can be submitted through Election Day and at polling precincts.  

  • Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed to you: Thursday, August 21, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. 

  • Voters can request a vote-by-mail ballot at ocfelections.gov or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections Office:

    • By phone at 407-836-8683;

    • By mail at PO Box 562001, Orlando, FL 32856; 

    • In person at 119 W Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806; and

    • By fax at 407-254-6577. 

      • Remember: After December 31, 2024, all vote-by-mail requests expired. If a request has not been submitted in 2025, a new one must be made. 

  • Sign up for BallotTrax to get notified (via text or email) of the status of your vote-by-mail ballot, from when it's printed to when it's accepted. 

  • Public test of voting equipment: Thursday, August 21, 2025 

    • Testing will begin at 10:00 a.m. (ET) and will take place at the Supervisor of Elections Office, 119 W Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806. 

  • Early Voting Period:  August 23 – August 31, 2025 

    • Early voting for the Special General Election will be available at the following locations, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (ET).

      • Supervisor of Elections Office - 119 W Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806

      • West Oaks Library - 1821 E Silver Star Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761

      • Apopka Community Center - 519 S Central Ave, Apopka, FL 32703

      • Eatonville Town Hall - 307 E Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville, FL 32751

    • Please note that during the Early Voting Period, residents may vote at any of the listed Early Voting locations.  

  • Election Day: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 

    • Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ET). 

    • If a voter is in line by 7:00 p.m., they will be allowed to vote. 

    • Voters choosing to exercise their right to vote on Election Day MUST do so at their assigned polling place.  

      • Voters can find their assigned polling place online at ocfelections.gov or by phone at 407-836-2070. 

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About the Orange County Supervisor of Elections: The Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office works year-round to uphold fair and secure elections, strengthen public trust in the process and encourage active participation in democracy. Elected in 2024, Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel is dedicated to bringing democracy to life through increased access, enhanced voter education and efficient election administration.