We are getting ready for 2026!

The most important thing to do is make sure your voter registration is up to date and have a plan to vote, whether in-person or by mail!

Due to a change in Florida law, a request for a mail ballot now expires after each General Election (every two years). If you registered for a mail ballot before November 2024, you must renew your vote by mail ballot for elections through 2026.

If you plan to vote by mail in 2026, renew your request at the Bay County Supervisor of Elections office (830 W. 11th Street, Panama City) in person, in writing (including email), over the phone (850-784-6100), or online at bayvotesfl.gov. A ballot should be requested ASAP, and preferably at least three weeks before Election Day to allow time for the Elections office to mail it to you.

Mail ballots can be returned to secure drop boxes inside any early voting site during their voting hours. On Election Day, VBM ballots can only be returned to the drop box inside the Supervisor of Elections office (SOE) (830 W. 11th Street) by 7 pm. If mailing a ballot, allow at least two weeks. Why return mail ballots early? To allow ample time for the SOE to communicate with you if there’s an issue, and so your ballot doesn’t arrive too late to be counted given potential mail delays. To track your mail ballot from your request until it’s counted, go to bayvotesfl.gov.

Changed your mind about voting by mail? If you later decide to vote at the polls, the election worker will ask you to surrender your mail ballot if you bring it with you. If you do not bring your mail ballot with you, you will still be issued a new ballot and directed to the voting booth. Voters may NOT take their mail ballot into the voting booth with them to use as a sample. However, you are permitted to take a photo of your own ballot to use.

Remember – Mail ballot requests are not permanent, and a new Florida law requires you to renew your request every two years before each general election.

Other questions about Voting by Mail? Click here.

Below are links to the current Democratic candidates that have qualified for the August 18th Primary. Bay County Democrats do not endorse any candidates, and are providing links for Democratic voters in our county. Where it appears no official webpage exists, we provide the candidate's Facebook page.

US Senate

Angie Nixon for U.S. Senate | Change Can't Wait 

Alex Vindman for Florida 

Representative in Congress District 2 

Yen Bailey for U.S. Congress | FL-2 

Brice Barnes for Congress 

Amanda Marie Green for Congress 

Nic Zateslo for Congress | Fighting for North Florida 

Governor

Evelyn Castillo-Bach for Florida Governor 2026 

Thomas E. Fernandez - Governor

Dayna Marie Foster | Candidate for Florida Governor 

David Jolly for Governor | Believe in Florida's Future. 

Dotie Joseph for Governor 

Stephann Norman - CHANGE THE GAME WITH PHANN!! 

Chief Financial Officer

Earle Ford for CFO | Support Florida’s Financial Future: Get Involved Today 

Annette Taddeo for Chief Financial Officer 

Commissioner of Agriculture

Joey Mendoza Atkins for Florida Agriculture Commissioner | Empower Florida Communities—Vote Today 

Don Prichard for Commissioner of AG 

State Representative, District 6

Vote Stephanie "Lyn" Leonard - District 6 State Representative 

Jerry Wyche for State Representative - Facebook Page