"Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls."

Nanette L. Avery

The 2024 Primary Election Day started with little fanfare and fizzled out with barely more than 18% turnout. In this election, slightly over 28,000 Clay County voters (out of the 150,000+ registered voters) took the opportunity to cast a ballot. That means 122,000+ voters (81+%) deemed that this election was not worthy of their attention. Approximately 28,000 voters decided the representation for everything from U.S. Senate to School Board.

This is appalling, especially given the availability of 45 days of no excuse vote by mail, 10 days (100 hours) of early voting at seven locations throughout our county, culminating with 12 hours of election day availability at each of the 45 polling locations.

The Clay County Elections Office hires approximately 460 election workers at a cost of nearly $240,000 in payroll alone- this cost does not include necessary election materials, postage, equipment, and other personnel which easily adds another $100,000 to $150,000. But the most staggering fact is that the price tag is not dependent on voter turnout. The $340,000-$390,000 is spent whether turnout is 18% or 99%.

Elections have consequences and consequences have repercussions. Clay County deserves better, you deserve better, our children and grandchildren deserve better, and our future depends on it. We can do better Clay County; we MUST do better as Clay County voters!

Chris

We're always looking for new ways to connect with our voters and make sure they are getting timely, accurate election information. That's why we're excited to announce that we've launched TextMyGov! Simply text "CLAYVOTES" to 91896 and opt-in to receive reminders about important election dates and voting info directly to your phone!

New Statewide Forms Available

The Florida Division of Elections has published a new statewide Vote by Mail (VBM) Request Form and Voter Registration Form. The VBM Request Form must be used when making a request in writing, however voters can still make VBM requests by calling the Elections Office or by going on our website.

The new Voter Registration Form can be found here on our website. It can be used for both new registrations and name, address, party, and signature updates to existing voter records.

Voter Turnout

Registration is the first step to participation. An important step, however, registration isn’t the issue, voter participation is what is lacking. Disinterested and disengaged, a majority of voters have now sat out the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary and Primary Election. The 2024 Primary ended up with a disappointing 18.85% turnout for Clay County and roughly 23% for the state overall. 

Just like in the PPP, the way that Clay County voted was almost equally split between Vote by Mail, Early Voting, and Election Day. Election Day did edge Vote by Mail out by about 1,500 voters and Early Voting by less than 800 voters.

Logic & Accuracy Testing

Elections don't happen in one day. In reality, there are many moving pieces that take months to coordinate. The Logic & Accuracy (L&A) test is required before every election. This is when the equipment is formally tested to ensure votes are accurately being counted. The L&A, like all other Canvassing Board events, is open to the public to attend. Watch the video below for a more in-depth explanation for what happens during testing.

Precinct Setup

Teamwork makes the dream work! Our Elections Services staff are responsible for all our equipment during Early Vote and precinct setup. With lots of help from Clay County Building Maintenance department, our team was able to get everything delivered and ready for voters. While setting up at Precinct 400, Orange Cove Seventh Day Adventist, our team met a youth group washing cars to raise money to attend camp! We were able to get the precinct set up AND leave with a sparkling clean vehicle! We wish them luck with their fundraising! After the warehouse is empty, then it's time for our Clerks to pick up their supplies for Election Day!

It takes a lot of coordination and planning, plus blood, sweat (and maybe a few tears) to get it all done, but they make it look easy!

Vote by Mail Opening

In order to both preserve the secrecy of the ballot AND accurately count Vote by Mail ballots, we use teams of three to open them. All our volunteers are sworn in beforehand and then Supervisor Chambless explains the process. The first person removes the ballot and secrecy sleeve from the envelope, the second person removes the secrecy sleeve and hands the ballot to the last person. The third person is responsible for unfolding the ballot and counting it. Once all the ballots in that precinct have been opened, the number of ballots must match the number of envelopes received in that specific precinct. Again, like all Canvassing Board events, this is open to the public to attend!

Election Day

Here are just a few images of our team in action on Primary Election Day!

2024 General Election Information

Early Voting

Early Voting offers lots of flexibility and convenience! Clay County voters can visit any of the seven Early Voting locations throughout the county- listed below. All seven will have Secure Ballot Intake Stations for those who want to turn in their voted Vote by Mail ballots. Find directions and current wait times here.

Voting by Mail

Want to Vote by Mail for the November 5 General Election? Requests can be made over the phone, on a form, or online here. The last day to request a Mail ballot is October 24 and they must be received in the Elections Office by 7 PM on Election Day.

Amendments

With six amendments, plus a County Bond Referendum, the 2024 General Election ballot will be a long one! If you're interested, you can find more about the amendments online here. Information on the County Bond Referendum can be found here.

Thank You Clay County Election Workers!

Our Election Workers ROCK! We appreciate your continued support, hard work, and tireless dedication to both your community and the voting process. We couldn't do it without you!

Vote Like a Pro!

If you voted in person during the 2024 Primary Election, you may have seen our Election Workers sporting matching shirts! The gray shirts weren't just for comfort. They served as a fun reminder to voters to fill in the bubble next to their choice to vote like a pro. All the Elections Office staff received a shirt too, because it takes a unified team to hold a successful election.

We want to thank Stephen Spratley and Logo Xpress for their generosity and quality work. Thank you to the voters and to all the people who make elections possible- our staff members and Election Workers!

Interested in joining our Election Worker team? Visit the link below to find out more!

Become an Election Worker

Good Luck Stacey

Just before the Primary Election we said goodbye to our Election Worker Coordinator, Stacey. We wish her the best in her future endeavors!

Welcome to Our Team Sandy!

Sandy may be a familiar face to some of you. She first joined the Elections Office serving as an Election Worker. Sandy is now stepping into a new role as the Clay County Election Worker Coordinator. Here is Supervisor Chambless swearing her in.

We're so excited to have her as part of our team. Welcome aboard Sandy!

New Look for ClayElections.gov

Exciting News! We've launched a new look for our website! Explore our site and enjoy improved navigation and user-friendly design for all devices. Visit us at www.ClayElections.gov to register to vote, find your Sample Ballot, and so much more!

Leadership Clay Tours the Elections Office

In July, members of the Leadership Clay Class of 2024 took a tour of the Elections Office and warehouse. Supervisor Chambless shared an overview of the elections process and how our team operates. Chris took time to answer questions and discussed some of the key information and safeguards in place to protect voters in Clay County.

Art in the Lobby

We wanted a fun way to showcase the history of voting and the beauty of Clay County in our front office. This large-scale collage combines photos courtesy of the Clay County Archives' Vishi Garig, and colorful pictures from local artist Renae DeVine of DeVineVisionz2020. Thank you both- we absolutely love our new artwork!

Jill is our only May birthday!

June is a popular birthday month around here: Anthony, Jim, and Leslie

Chris and Michelle J. celebrating their July birthdays!