CLEARWATER, Fla. — Going door-to-door with clipboard in hand, City Council member Kathleen Beckman wants residents to know how critical it is they cast their vote in their city election Tuesday. 

"What I think is important to remember is that your local politicians manage your city budget and that affects things like utility rates," she said.

At about 12:30 p.m., Pinellas County elections officials said 2,000 in-person ballots were cast. That will go along with more than 20,000 mail-in ballots that were submitted.

In January, Beckman started taking a few hours each week to knock on doors throughout the City of Clearwater and encourage homeowners to vote on March 15. She's not campaigning for any one candidate, instead making sure that residents know where to find information on the candidates and how to cast their ballot. 

"To have the best representation you have to go out and vote for those who represent your values and your priorities," she said. "Quite frankly if people aren't voting, I don't think they have as much standing to complain." 

Over the next four years, the Clearwater City Council will be facing many decisions regarding growth and the city's strategic plan, making this election a crucial one. 

Clearwater has historically had a low voter turnout for their municipal elections.

Roughly 17% of voters cast their ballot in 2018, while 32% did in March of 2020 during the presidential primary.

Polls are also open in a number of other locations, including Belleair, St. Pete Beach and Redington Shores. Get the full list and more information in our Voter Guide.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday and will close at 7 p.m. Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 and the Spectrum News app for coverage and results.

Get ready to head to the polls with your personalized voter guide. We have all the tools and info you need, including important dates, where to vote, a preview of your ballot and more here.