Vote, then turn to us for comprehensive coverage
Two things I can promise you about Election Day: I will vote, and our team will bring you the most comprehensive results coverage on local and state races you care most about.
I suggest that if you are a registered voter, this is not one to sit out. Between early voting and the 12-hour window for voting starting at 7 a.m. Nov. 4, not having time is a poor excuse for not voting. Don't let me make up your mind for you on this election. Too much is at stake.
We'll decide, for example, between current Gov. Rick Scott and his predecessor Gov. Charlie Crist for the state's top office. We decide an important issue impacting our environment, how judges are appointed and the use of marijuana in our state for medical purposes.
By and large, I'm not going to tell you how I'm going to vote, because it is my privilege as an American to keep my vote secret. In most cases – but not all – my vote will reflect endorsements made by the Tallahassee Democrat Editorial Board.
Once I get into the booth, my vote is my business. Our endorsements reflect the consensus of our board, but that doesn't mean every member is in lockstep. We study the issues and the candidates, and we try to reflect the views and values of our communities.
The race for governor is deadlocked in the latest polls. I suspect the race for Congress between incumbent Steve Southerland and Gwen Graham is just as tight.
Locally, the sales tax extension and ethics referendum are critically important. There are a handful of important local races on the ballot as well as the state Cabinet officers, too.
So by all means, vote. Too many people have fought and died to ensure you have that right.
We'll wrap up our pre-election coverage in Sunday's Capital news section of the Tallahassee Democrat, or go to Tallahassee.com/elect on this link to read back coverage.
Then at 7 p.m. Nov. 4, turn to Tallahassee.com for results and analysis of what is happening and how it will change our lives. Once again, Public Policy Reporter Byron Dobson will join me in co-hosting our live Election Day reporting and analysis desk.
Experts in our community and state will join us during the course of the evening as results come in from state and county election officers. Our reporters with the campaigns will break in for video reports throughout the evening.
Our live coverage on Election Day will include reports throughout the day on any issues at polling places and updates on turnout and who will benefit most from that.
It could be a late night; some say the gubernatorial and congressional contests might not be decided until the last counties report results. Keeping in mind that large portions of the district are in the Central time zone and some are very rural, we expect lots of coffee to be flowing during the night.
We're prepared to report early and often, going the distance to bring you live coverage on the Internet and our mobile and tablet sites that is unparalleled.
Our entire team will be in action, including the dean of state government reporting, Bill Cotterell, who will be offering thoughtful analysis of how the results impact the issues most important to people in the capital area: state workers issues, higher education and public schools, health access and more.
Karl Etters, who has followed the Graham-Southerland race, will report on that race and how it might impact the balance of power in Washington. TaMaryn Waters will wrap up local races in Leon County. We'll have coverage in Wakulla, Gadsden and beyond.
So get out to vote. Then flip us on your laptop or tablet in between watching your favorite TV shows, or watch for push alerts on your smartphone. We've got your election news covered.
You can send comments by clicking on my blogs on Tallahassee.com and Move.Tallahassee.com, e-mailing me at bgabordi@tallahassee.com or sending a private message on Facebook, Tallahassee.com or Twitter @bgabordi. My mailing address is Bob Gabordi, Executive Editor, Tallahassee Democrat, P.O. Box 990, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Call me at 850-599-2177.