ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s almost Election Day in Orlando’s fifth district. The City of Orlando is holding a special election to fill the District 5 City Commission seat, once held by former Commissioner Regina Hill.

What You Need To Know

  • Seven candidates have filed to fill former Commissioner Regina Hill’s seat

  • Election Day is Tuesday, May 21

  • Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

  • Five polling locations will be open across District 5

Seven candidates have filed to fill Hill’s seat.

Glen Gilzean, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, said the special election is an opportunity for residents to have their voices heard. 

“District 5 residents have the opportunity to let their voices be heard and identify someone that can represent them on city council,” Gilzean said.

More than 21,000 people are eligible to vote in the election. Gilzean said he expects to see a large turnout.

“I think they’re going to come out in droves on Tuesday to let their voices be heard,” he said.

During early voting on Sunday, some voters said they were looking for a candidate who helps the community and advocates for District 5.

“District 5’s awesome and so I want a commissioner who believes in our district and is excited to advocate for us,” Eli Mattern, a District 5 voter, said.

“More community involvement,” Rose Coiman, another District 5 voter, said. “Just help the community.”

Voters also said they hope there’s a large turnout.

“I’m hoping there’s a large turnout because it’s very important to vote nowadays,” Coiman said.

Gilzean encourages voters to come out on Tuesday and wants residents to know their votes are secure. 

“When it comes to District 5 residents, they should feel the utmost confidence that once they cast their ballot to let their voice be heard, that they know it counts and it’s secure,” Gilzean said.

The Supervisor of Elections Office said the person elected as Interim Commissioner will begin serving when elected until the criminal case involving Regina Hill is resolved or the current term ends in January 2026.

Election Day is Tuesday, May 21. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Five polling locations will be open:

  • John H. Jackson Community Center, 1002 Carter Street, Orlando, FL 32805-3107

  • Fire Station 12, 1588 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835

  • Rock Lake Community Center, 440 N Tampa Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805-1220

  • Northwest Community Center, 3955 WD Judge Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

  • Majestic Life Ministries, 821 S Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL 32811

For more information, visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office’s website.

Reagan Ryan is a 2023 — 2025 Report for America Corps Member, covering the environment and climate across Central Florida for Spectrum News 13. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.