Government and politics

A scheduled visit by Vice President Joe Biden to Ocala on Wednesday has prompted officials to announce some closures of parks, venues and roads in preparation of his 3 p.m. visit. The vice president is scheduled to speak at an outdoor event at Tuscawilla Park. The Discovery Science Center and …

Voters in District 3 have a choice between two experienced candidates.

Two candidates are squaring off in the Alachua County Sheriff's race. Both have different views for the sheriff's office but say their experience will help them do the job well.

Alachua County voters looking to avoid long lines at the polls Nov. 6 have a chance to vote early Saturday until Nov. 3. Early voters must present both picture and signature identification in order to vote.

A campaign removed its political ad from YouTube after the University Athletic Association disapproved the appearance of mascot Albert the alligator.

Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, stopped at David's Real Pit BBQ, 521 NE 23rd Ave., Thursday to speak to a limited crowd as part of a series of campaign stops through Florida.

Dean Cheshire and Charles Chestnut IV are running for the county commissioner seat in Alachua County. The two are both Gainesville natives and want to bring fresh ideas to the job.

The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections office has received more than 30,000 requests for absentee ballots. The Canvassing Board reviews these requests and has already returned more than 11,000.

Bill Nelson, a senator from Florida, visited the J. Reitz Union at the University of Florida Wednesday. He spoke on nonpartisan government, early voting and education concerns and was surrounding by many students and political leaders in Gainesville.

With two weeks until Election Day, local political party chairmen react to the final presidential debate this week.