Government and politics

A referendum on the November ballot in Alachua County will ask voters to approve a three-fourths of a cent sales tax increase to pay for increased repairs to local roads. The tax, expected to collect $300 million, would expire after 15 years.

Voters will have a chance to get to know the vice-presidential candidates when they debate Thursday at 9 p.m.

The Republican Party has selected Chris Blair as a the nominee for Marion County sheriff. Blair will replace Dan Kuhn on the ballot in this November's election.

A report from the Center for American Progress Action Fund said the proposed Romney-Ryan budget could cost Floridians millions of dollars in benefits they already receive.

Tuesday was the last day to register to vote for the Nov. 6 election in Florida, and Democractic National Commitee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz was in Gainesville promoting the importance of young people voting.

Marion County Republican Executive Committee will name a replacement nominee Wednesday night for former sheriff candidate Dan Kuhn.

A contingent of Florida voters and Gainesville residents made a lengthy bus trip to New Orleans this weekend to participate in the Venezuelan election at the nearest consulate.

The deadline for Florida residents to register to vote is Oct. 9. Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter said registering to vote is an easy process.

The first presidential debate of the 2012 election season is still generating hashtags and hits on social media sites across the Internet, from criticisms of moderator Jim Lehrer to quips from fact-checking machines. Poynter Institute contributor Tracie Powell said she thinks social media played a huge role in the aftermath …

A Florida House bill entitles victims of sexual battery to as much as $1,500 to help them relocate to a safer residence beginning in October.