Where to meet the political candidates running in your Central Florida community

Events, hob nobs, panels to meet candidates

The new vote-by-mail ballot request form is being implemented across Florida. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Election season is just around the corner.

While there may be a lot of information circulating about national candidates, sometimes it is more difficult to find out the views, goals and intentions of state or local candidates who will be the ones directly running our surrounding community.

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There are numerous political events that allow opportunities to learn about the candidates who are going to be asking for your vote in both the August Primary and the General Election in November. Here is a list of some of them.

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If you know of any other local political meet-and-greet events not listed here that should be included, feel free to send us an email at web@wkmg.com.

Brevard County

Citizens Defending Freedom Candidate Meet and Greet

  • When: Saturday, Aug. 10 at 1 p.m.
  • Where: The House Church in Palm Bay
  • What: An event with candidates for federal, state and local office, hosted by Brevard County Citizens Defending Freedom.

Brevard County Candidate Forum

  • When: Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Space Coast Health Foundation
  • What: This event provides an opportunity for Brevard County families and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage with local representatives and discuss the needs of the community concerning resources and services tailored to these underrepresented groups. This free event is made possible by the Brevard Autism Coalition and Angels Bridging Gaps.

[RESULTS 2024: Want to vote in Florida? Here’s how to register and make sure you are eligible]

Lake County

Lake County Candidates Meet and Greet

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.
  • Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County in Eustis
  • What: Meet local candidates for office at this event hosted by League of Women Voters of The Villages.

Orange County

Orange County Commissioner Debate presented by Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida

  • When: Friday, Aug. 16 at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Citrus Club in Downtown Orlando
  • What: The Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida is hosting the candidates for the Orange County Commission races in Districts 1, 3 and 5. Tickets for non-Tiger Bay Club members are $50.

Citizens’ Summit 2024: Connecting With Elected Officials

  • When: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.
  • Where: Orlando Florida (location TBA)
  • What: An opportunity to connect with community organizations, learn about voter rights and meet with elected officials, presented by Framily Support Network.

[RELATED: Requests to vote by mail in Central Florida are down ‘significantly.’ How you can request a ballot]

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Osceola County

Faith, Family and Freedom Luncheon - Cavalcade of Republican Stars

  • When: Saturday, Aug. 10 at 11 a.m.
  • Where: Kissimmee Christian Church
  • What: Join the Osceola County Republican Executive Committee for a luncheon featuring Florida Republican Party Chair Evan Power and State Reps. Carolina Amesty and Paula Stark.

Volusia County

2024 Southeast Volusia Chamber Hob Nob

  • When: Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 5 p.m.
  • Where: 105 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach.
  • What: An event for people to meet candidates for federal, state and local office, hosted by the South East Volusia Chamber of Commerce.

Hob Nob 2024

  • When: Thursday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.
  • Where: 105 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach.
  • What: An event for people to meet candidates for federal, state and local office, hosted by the South East Volusia Chamber of Commerce.

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