In the City of Mulberry, Florida, elections are conducted according to established municipal procedures to ensure fair representation and democratic governance (City of Mulberry Charter). The city holds regular elections to elect the Mayor (at large) and City Commissioners for Districts 1 (at large), 2, 3, 4, 5. Mulberry elections follow a non-partisan format, focusing on local issues and community needs rather than political party affiliations. The election process is overseen by the City Clerk's office, with support from the Polk County Supervisor of Elections, which plays a crucial role in coordinating and administering all aspects of the electoral process.
To run for office in Mulberry, candidates must meet certain requirements outlined in municipal and state laws. These include: you must be at least 18 years old, a registered voter in Polk County, a qualified elector in the City of Mulberry residing in the corporate limits of the City of Mulberry, a resident of the City of Mulberry continuously for six months and a resident of the district you are representing (Seats 2, 3, 4, & 5) for at least six months immediately preceding the date of commencement of the term of office and hold no other public office. Candidates must file the necessary paperwork with the City Clerk's office within specified deadlines as part of the candidacy process.
It is important that potential candidates become familiar with the Florida Election Code and the City Charter and City Ordinances. A full understanding of the election process is the responsibility of the candidate. The City Clerk’s role in elections is ministerial in reviewing qualifying papers and campaign finance documents; the City Clerk reviews paperwork to determine if all items required have been properly filed and are complete on their face. The City Clerk may not determine whether the contents of qualifying papers are accurate. Similarly, the City Clerk cannot advise how State forms should be completed. If you have questions regarding how to complete forms, the City Clerk’s Office can direct you to the correct government entity for further information.
City of Mulberry staff and the Polk County Supervisor of Elections work in coordination to conduct fair and transparent elections. If at any time a candidate or other party wishes to file a complaint alleging a candidate has violated Florida Statutes Chapter 106, Campaign Financing, the Florida Commission on Ethics should be contacted. The Commission on Ethics provides a complaint form and related instructions on their website for individuals who desire to file a complaint. If a candidate or other party wishes to file a complaint alleging elections fraud related to voting irregularities, voter registration, voting, or candidate petition activities, the Florida Division of Elections should be contacted. The Division of Elections also provides several forms and related instructions for individuals who desire to file a complaint.
Overall, the City of Mulberry strives to uphold transparency, accessibility, and fairness in its electoral procedures, ensuring that residents have the opportunity to participate in selecting their local leaders through a structured and regulated electoral framework.
Contact the City Clerks office for more information:
Jenn Denson-Garcia, CMC
JGarcia [at] CityofMulberryFl.com (JGarcia[at]CityofMulberryFl[dot]com)
(863)425-1125 Ext. 223
2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
The following candidates qualified for the April 07, 2026, City of Mulberry Regular Municipal Election:
Seat/District 1 (At Large):
Neil Devine, Incumbent
Seat/District 3:
Rosa Ayersman, Incumbent
Seat/District 5:
Collins "Coach" Smith, Incumbent
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 101.252, when only one candidate qualifies for an office, that candidate’s name is not placed on the ballot and the candidate is declared elected.
Because only one candidate qualified for each open seat in the 2026 Municipal Election, all candidates are unopposed. Accordingly, no election will be held and no voting will take place in the City of Mulberry on Election Day for the 2026 Municipal Election.
The duly qualified candidates will be sworn into office at the City Commission Meeting on May 5, 2026.