Naples Will Hold Special Council Election February 2027
The Collier County special election follows the resignation of council member Linda Penniman earlier this fall.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Elections
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Collier County officials have scheduled a special election for February 2, 2027, to fill the vacant Naples City Council seat. The vacancy arose after Linda Penniman resigned from her position on September 29, 2026.
Why it matters
The special election is necessary because the resignation occurred after November 2026 ballots had already been distributed to voters. Holding a standalone election ensures the city council returns to full capacity as soon as logistics permit.
The special election is estimated to cost between $50,000 and $55,000. Voters will have the option to participate via mail-in ballot or by voting in-person on February 2, 2027.
The players
Linda Penniman
She is a former member of the Naples City Council who resigned her seat to attend to personal family matters.
Collier County Supervisor of Elections
This is the local government office responsible for managing the logistics, ballot distribution, and oversight of all county elections.
The details
Linda Penniman stepped down from the council to handle personal affairs following the passing of her husband. Because the departure occurred after the general election cycle was already in motion, county officials confirmed the seat could not be added to existing November ballots.
Timeline
Sept. 29, 2026: Linda Penniman resigned from City Council.
November 2026: General election ballots were processed.
Feb. 2, 2027: Special election for City Council seat.
Political Context
The scheduling of this special election follows the mandatory procedures established by the Florida election code for mid-term vacancies. Opponents of standalone elections often cite the high administrative costs compared to consolidating races during general election cycles.
Residents of Naples will be able to utilize mail-in ballots or head to polling stations to vote in this special race. Taxpayers should note that the administrative cost of the election, estimated at up to $55,000, will be incurred due to the standalone nature of the ballot.
The takeaway
Standalone elections are necessary when official vacancies arise outside of standard administrative windows. Residents should prepare for the February 2027 date by checking their registration status with the county clerk.
What happens next
The special election will take place on February 2, 2027, at which point residents will cast ballots to determine the successor for the vacant council seat.
Further reading
For more information on how local voting works, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBBH.
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