BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Five county offices are open for election in Bradford in addition to the federal and state races taking place.
In addition to those county commission and school board races, there are also three seats open on the Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District.
Starke is also going to the polls, with three commission seats potentially on the ballot alongside a charter referendum.
As for county commission, districts two and four are up for election. That means the school board seats up for election are in districts one, three and five. Candidates serve four-year terms, so the seats up for election alternate every two years.
Starke also has three commission seats open for election — districts one, three and five. As nonpartisan races, the city and school board elections will take place on the date of the primary for the partisan elections — Tuesday, Aug. 18. Winners from the partisan races with opposition from another party will move on to November, appearing on the ballot alongside state and federal races, including governor.
One of Florida’s U.S. Senate seats is up for election as are all of its seats in the House of Representatives. All Florida Senate and House seats are open as well. In addition to a new governor, Florida voters will also choose an attorney general, a chief financial officer and a commissioner of agriculture.
Judicial elections and retentions will also be on the ballot.
Starke has a charter revision committee meeting to modernize its charter. The city commission will place recommended changes on this year’s ballot. Other questions coming to voters could include a decision about the future of property taxes, marijuana legalization (again), cutting insurance rates and school prayer.
Interested in running?
Anyone interested in running for local office should call 904-966-6266 and make an appointment with Supervisor of Elections Amanda Seyfang who has handbooks ready to go and all the information you will need.
Seyfang’s updated website — www.votebradfordfl.gov — is also full of information for voters and candidates alike. The modern design offers easy navigation and improved access. Voters can quickly find details about registration, voting by mail, early voting (still to be determined), polling places, upcoming elections and other essential resources.
Seyfang encouraged all voters to make sure their information, including addresses and personal identification number required for registration (driver’s license or Social Security number) are up to date. The elections office is receiving new, updated equipment with improved security, but with no changes to the user interface familiar to voters. Elections personnel are never too busy to answer questions about your right to vote.
To vote in the Aug. 18 primary election, voters must be registered by July 20. To vote in the Nov. 3 general election, voters must be registered by Oct. 5.
Announce your candidacy
The Bradford County Telegraph, Union County Times and Lake Region Monitor offer candidates an opportunity to publish an announcement of their intention to seek public office. This offer is limited, with submissions accepted no later than the Monday following qualifying week, which takes place in April for federal and judicial candidates, and June for state and local candidates.
There is a one-time charge of $50 to run the announcement with a photo of the candidate (headshot). This must be paid out of your campaign account. All other submissions will be charged current rates.
Submissions should be emailed to [email protected].
