As residents of Clay County, Florida gear up for the upcoming local elections, there’s a palpable buzz in the air. Mark your calendars for April 14, as this day has been dubbed “Municipal Super Tuesday.” This is your chance to make your voice heard in local government decisions!

To participate, make sure you’re registered to vote by March 16, as only those living within city or town limits can cast their ballots. If you prefer to vote by mail, be sure to request your mail-in ballot by April 2 at ClayElections.gov.

What’s on the Ballot?

In Orange Park, there’s a hotly contested race for Town Council Seat 1. Councilman Doug Benefield is seeking re-election against challenger Chuck Lindholm. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Orange Park Town Hall, located at 2042 Park Ave. Notably, Susan Winnette Sandlin is unopposed for Seat 2, so that race won’t appear on the ballot.

Meanwhile, Green Cove Springs has both a race and a few proposed charter amendments on the ballot. Ed Gaw is vying for re-election for City Council Seat 1 against Tom Centracchio. In addition to this race, voters will also consider three proposed charter amendments designed to adjust certain local governance requirements:

  • Allow a Notary Public to administer the Oath of Office to a City Council Member.
  • Enable the City Council to waive the requirement for the City Manager’s dwelling to be within the City utility service area.
  • Permit the City Council to waive the requirement for the City Attorney’s residence or office to be within the City.

Voting hours in Green Cove Springs will mirror those in Orange Park, running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the city council chambers at 321 Walnut St. Here too, Matt Johnson is unopposed for re-election for Seat 2, so that race will not be on the ballot either.

Understanding Voter Registration in Florida

Before you hit the polls, it’s crucial to understand the voter registration requirements in Florida. To register, you’ll need either your Florida driver’s license or ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you’re registering online, both forms of identification are required. For those without a driver’s license or ID, paper registration forms are available.

When it comes to casting your vote, don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID that includes your signature. Accepted forms include a Florida driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or even a student ID. Make sure the address on your ID matches your voter registration, as digital IDs are not accepted. If you choose to vote by mail, your mail-in ballot request will also require the same identification numbers.

For more details on voter registration and polling requirements, check out this comprehensive guide.

As the date approaches, take a moment to prepare yourself to participate in this vital civic duty. Whether you’re voting in person or by mail, your voice matters in shaping the future of your community!

For more information on the upcoming elections, visit News4Jax.