It’s Election Day in Tampa, but voter engagement appears to be surprisingly low. By the mid-morning hours, only 183 ballots had been cast on Election Day, with total participation—including early voting and vote-by-mail—still under 4,000. This puts turnout well below 9%, a strikingly low number for a city deciding on its next City Council member.

The special election is being held to fill the remaining term of Gwen Henderson, who passed away this past summer. Last month, the initial election for the seat saw similarly low engagement, with just 12% voter turnout. Fewer than 5,411 residents participated in that vote. Depending on how many voters head to the polls before polls close at 7 p.m., turnout could still surpass that minimal threshold.

Candidates to Watch

The District 5 runoff features Thomas Scott and Naya Young, who finished first and second, respectively, in last month’s crowded primary. The primary included 12 candidates on the ballot and a 13th as a write-in, splitting the vote. Scott received 27% of votes, while Young garnered 13%, leaving neither candidate with the 50% plus one vote needed to win outright.

District 5 encompasses parts of downtown Tampa, East Tampa, Ybor City, and portions of West Tampa, making this runoff an important decision for residents in these neighborhoods.

Fundraising Advantage

Thomas Scott enters the runoff with a significant fundraising edge, having raised nearly $95,000 as of October 23. Naya Young has raised just over $41,000, indicating a substantial gap in campaign resources.

While low turnout has been a theme throughout this special election, today’s results will determine who represents District 5 and carries forward Gwen Henderson’s legacy on the Tampa City Council.

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