Elections 2010

With less than three weeks before the Aug. 24 primary, political candidates are eager to spread their message and meet with voters. Here's an assortment of candidate hobnobs and forums taking place in Orange and Seminole counties this month:

Political Hob Nob

Seminole County's premier Political Hob Nob will take place on Thursday, Aug. 5 from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Altamonte Springs Hilton, 350 S. Northlake Blvd. The Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the event since 1982. Tickets are available through the chamber by calling 407-708-4602.

Meet Rick Scott

There will be a meet and greet with Rick Scott, Republican candidate for governor, from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 at the Winter Springs Tijuana Flats on State Road 434 and Tuskawilla Road. Complimentary chips and salsa and soft drinks will be provided. There will be live entertainment on the patio featuring Wendy Benson. Call 954-915-3360 for more information.

Avalon meeting

Orange County mayor and District 4 commissioner candidates will meet from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, to discuss budgets, transportation, health care, property taxes, parks and more. Held at the Avalon Church Auditorium, 13460 Tanja King Blvd., seating is limited to 500 and is first come, first serve. Attendance is free. For more information, visit www.avalonchurch.org or call 407-275-5499.

2010 Candidate Forum and Hobnob

At 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9 is the The Central Florida Christian Chamber's 2010 Candidate Forum and Hobnob at The Plaza Theatre. In addition to meeting and interacting with State and U.S. office candidates one-on-one, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a Candidate Forum moderated by Mr. Eddy Moratin, Executive Director of Lifework Leadership Orlando. The one-hour State-level forum will start at 6:45 p.m.; after a 15-minute break the U.S.-level candidates take the stage. Chamber members and their guests are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Nonmembers are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Goldenrod candidate luncheon

This August, the Goldenrod Chamber will host a political debate for all three candidates running for Orange District 5 County commissioner. The luncheon event will be Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Goldenrod Station from 11:45-1 p.m. The candidates who will be running for District 5 are Ted Edwards, Doug Kinson and Robert Talley. Luncheon attendees will have the chance to ask questions directly. Visit GoldenrodChamber.com for more information.

Geneva Candidates Forum

Come to the Geneva Candidates Forum on Monday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Geneva Community Center, 161 First St. (across from Marathon Gas Station). Candidates from Seminole County Commission Districts 2 and 4, Florida U.S. House District 24, Florida State House District 33, and Florida State Senate District 24 will attend. For more information, contact Richard Creedon at 407-349-1266.

Early voting

Early voting runs Monday, Aug. 9 through Tuesday, Aug. 24; Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Supervisor of Elections office and libraries throughout Orange County.

You will be asked to show photo ID and signature ID when you vote early. To find a complete list of participating libraries, visit: www.ocfelections.com

—Compiled by Jenny Andreasson, Observer staff