Profiles of the candidates on your ballot. See Inside.

PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ


Jimmie Nelson represented the Republican Party of Polk County, and noted that to encourage voter turnout, it's time to "get back to the basics" of family and church involvement, while also teaching civics in the schools.

PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ


Mary Jo Jarrett of the League of Women Voters shared the many activities they sponsor to foster voter awareness of election issues.

PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ


Those who were invited to the Lake Wales News Roundtable discussion had plenty of ideas as to how to combat voter apathy and encourage community involvement in governmental issues.

PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ


Ruth Ann Eaddy, Director of Candidate Recruitment and Campaigns for the Democratic Executive Committee reads to the group from a list of ideas while Joe Bowyer, president of the Greater Winter Haven Democratic Club and an organizer of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, listens.

PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ


William Moure, Civic Action Coordinator for the Lake Wales NAACP listens to comments from the rest of the group before making his presentation.

PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ


Colleen Burton, community engagement manager with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, who also ran opposite Lori Edwards in the primary for Supervisor of Elections, notes "it takes an invitation from someone you know and trust" when it comes to getting people to vote.

PHOTO BY KATHY LEIGH BERKOWITZ


Joe Bowyer, president of the Greater Winter Haven Democratic Club and his wife Dolores, both organizers of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, contributed to the discussion.