BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Monday, July 22, is the last date to register to vote or change party affiliations before the Aug. 20 primary.
You can visit the elections office or register to vote online at www.votebradfordfl.gov. Updating your address is even easier. Just call 904-966-6266.
There is a lot you can do can do at the elections website, including view a sample ballot, enter your address to determine your voting precinct or sign up to vote by mail.
Voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the day of the primary. There have been some changes due to redistricting. Polling locations now include Lawtey Community Center, Heilbronn Springs Baptist Church, Starke Church of God by Faith, Bayless Highway Baptist Church, Bradford Senior Center, Madison Street Baptist Church, Starke Golf and Country Club, Sampson City Church of God, Theressa Community Center, Hampton City Hall, Keystone United Methodist multi-ministry building and Brooker Community Center. Where you vote on election day is determined by where you live.
If, however, you’re going to take advantage of early voting, you will go to the commission meeting room in the north wing of the Bradford County Courthouse. Early voting for the primary will be available from Aug. 5–18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To vote by mail, request a ballot by calling the elections office or visiting the website. The deadline to request a ballot by mail for the primary is Aug. 8.
In addition to candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Republicans will be selecting their candidate for superintendent of schools — incumbent Will Hartley or his challenger, Tracy Kendrick. The winner of this race will continue running in November.
Democrats have Senate candidates to choose from.
All District 5 voters regardless of party will be voting for a county commissioner. Competing in the open primary are incumbent Diane Andrews and challenger Brian Outlaw.
The nonpartisan race on the ballot is for District 4 school board member. Incumbent Candace Osteen is running against Dana Bell and Mitchell Gunter.
You can find contact information to reach out to candidates at www.votebradfordfl.gov, or attend one of the upcoming forums sponsored by the local Republican and Democratic executive committees.
