Charlie Crist to Cast St. Petersburg Ballot Thursday

The mayoral candidate will rally supporters before walking to the local elections office to vote.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in navy and cream, depicting a symbolic ballot drop-box representing the institutional weight of the election process. — Mayoral candidate Charlie Crist prepares to cast his ballot this Thursday in St. Petersburg, marking a final campaign push before the November election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Charlie Crist will head to the polls in St. Petersburg this Thursday, October 22, 2026. He will lead a group of supporters from a local tavern to the Supervisor of Elections office to cast his ballot.

Why it matters

The event highlights the final push in the mayoral race as early voting continues throughout Pinellas County. Both candidates are positioning themselves for the November 3 election.

A St. Pete Polls survey shows Charlie Crist with a 21-point lead over incumbent Mayor Ken Welch. Crist has nearly $400,000 available across two accounts compared to smaller balances in Welch's campaign and political committee accounts.

The players

Charlie Crist

He is a candidate for the mayor of St. Petersburg who previously led the August primary.

Ken Welch

He is the incumbent mayor of St. Petersburg currently seeking re-election.

The details

Crist will host a rally at Mary Margaret's Olde Irish Tavern before walking to the nearby voting site. A golf cart will be available to help transport supporters between the two locations.

August 2026: Charlie Crist finished first in the mayoral primary.
October 22, 2026: Charlie Crist will cast his ballot in downtown St. Petersburg.
November 1, 2026: Early voting concludes in Pinellas County.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for St. Petersburg mayoral race.

Political Context

Opponents have raised concerns about campaign financing and the incumbent's track record during the race. These critiques contrast with the supporters rallying behind Crist's momentum since the August 2026 mayoral primary.

Residents in St. Petersburg have until November 1 to utilize early voting sites in Pinellas County. Those intending to vote on November 3 should verify their designated polling locations ahead of Election Day.

The takeaway

Voters should prioritize reviewing sample ballots and identifying local polling stations to ensure their participation is seamless. Engaging in the electoral process early can help residents avoid potential lines during the final days of the cycle.