Early Voting Underway for Tampa District 5 City Council Runoff

Early voting has commenced for the Tampa City Council District 5 runoff election, which features two candidates: Thomas Scott, a former city council member and county commissioner, and newcomer Naya Young. This election is to fill the seat left vacant by the late Gwen Henderson and is the final step following a crowded initial special election where Scott received 27% and Young about 13% of the vote. Early voting locations are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 26, with Election Day scheduled for October 28, and voters may cast ballots at any early voting site but must vote at their assigned precinct on Election Day. The candidates have focused their campaigns on issues such as youth empowerment, economic development, housing, transportation, safety, and flood mitigation, with Young emphasizing grassroots activism and Scott highlighting his prior experience and community engagement plans. Election officials stress the importance of local elections, noting their direct impact on neighborhoods and encouraging voter participation. The District 5 area includes downtown Tampa, Ybor City, Channelside, and parts of West Tampa.