Your quarterly news & updates from the Supervisor of Elections Office | |
|
From Supervisor Chambless
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
― Jane Goodall
Civic engagement refers to active participation by individuals in their communities, governments, and society as a whole. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including voting, volunteering, community organizing, advocating for social issues, and serving in public office. Civic engagement empowers individuals, promotes social cohesion, and strengthens democracy.
One of the best ways to become civically engaged is to serve as an Election Worker. Election Workers are the people who are helping voters during in person voting- during Early Voting or on Election Day.
Election Workers come from across the county. Some are from community groups, some from the county government offices, and some simply want to learn about the elections process. The common thread is they are all looking for a way to give back.
While our Election Workers do get paid a stipend for the 14+ hour day they work, most aren’t in it for the money. The majority of our Election Workers joined out of curiosity, or because a friend or family member dragged them along. But they stay because they truly feel the impact they make on Election Day. They connect with their community, while helping their neighbors carry out the most important right we have.
Clay County has tremendous Election Workers. Many return election season after election season to serve. We couldn’t be as successful as we are without their dedication and commitment.
If you can’t serve as an Election Worker, there are other ways to get civically engaged! There are lots of volunteer opportunities with our office, whether you’d like to help out at an outreach event or help open mail ballots and learn more about the elections process.
The easiest way to get involved, though, is to vote. I encourage you to visit our website ClayElections.gov to learn more. There you can check your voter status, update your information (or register to vote), look up your precinct, find Early Voting dates and locations, and order Vote by Mail ballots. With three ways to cast your ballot in Florida, there's no excuse to not be engaged. I urge you to have your voice be heard.
Chris
| |
|
The Florida Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 7050. The bill, which took effect July 1, is 96 pages long and touches every section of the Florida Election Code. Candidate qualifying, election reporting, and initiative petitions are just a few of the processes affected by SB 7050. Elections offices throughout Florida have been working to understand the changes contained in the bill to ensure compliance. It’s a tall task to be sure.
Although many of the changes in SB 7050 impact elections offices and how we administer elections, the passage of the new law is a good opportunity for voters to familiarize themselves with voting laws in Florida. It’s also an opportunity to ask yourself some basic questions: Am I registered to vote? Is my voter record current? How will I vote in upcoming elections? What do I need to do to be prepared?
Many of the answers to these questions can be found on our website ClayElections.gov. You can find important election dates, check your status, register to vote or update your information, and order Vote by Mail ballots.
| |
2024 Election Dates
Presidential Preference Primary
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Deadline to register to vote Tuesday, February 20
Primary Election
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Deadline to register to vote is Monday, July 22
General Election
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 7
| | | |
Need to Register to Vote? | |
If you're new to Florida, or have never been registered to vote, now's the time!
Registering to vote only takes a few minutes. You can do it online or pick up a paper registration form at any public library, Tax Collector's office, or our office in Green Cove Springs.
We encourage all voters to check their status and make any changes or updates prior to voting.
Register online or update your voter info.
| | |
|
|
Handwriting changes over time. If you have noticed a change in your handwriting, and particularly your signature, please update your signature with the Elections Office. It's important that we have your current signature on file because it's used to verify your Vote by Mail ballot and/or candidate and initiative petitions. If your signature has changed, you may update it at any time by submitting a new Voter Registration Application.
Signature updates can be made at any time but must be received before Vote by Mail ballots are canvassed in order to be accepted for an election. (F.S. 98.077)
How to update your signature.
| |
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day |  | |
Wednesday, August 23 was National Poll Worker Recruitment Day!
Election Workers are the backbone of democracy. Our office would not be as successful without the dedicated group of Election Workers we have. They are your friends, family, neighbors, and a part of our Clay County community.
To highlight our awesome Election Workers, we'll be featuring them throughout the next year on our social media feed and other outlets. Keep an eye out for them and learn more about why they chose to get involved!
We're also spreading the word about our Adopt-A-Precinct program. Pictured below is Supervisor Chambless and Election Worker Coordinator Stacey Whitehead speaking to members of the Village Improvement Association about Adopt-A-Precinct. This is a great option for an organization or company looking to serve the community, raise money, AND have a great team building experience!
The Adopt-A-Precinct program is a public/private partnership. Each participating organization "adopts" a precinct, or portion of a precinct, for an election cycle and provides the staff (Election Workers) for that precinct on Election Day. The money earned may be used for your group or donated to a charity of your choice.
Learn more about becoming an Election Worker here.
|  |  | |
2023 GCS RiverFest
On Monday, May 29, we participated in Green Cove Springs' RiverFest celebration. Though it was a hot day, it didn't stop many residents and visitors from the festivities and from stopping by our booth to register to vote and update their information! There was the traditional ceremony to commemorate our military members, including a flyover, tons of vendors, and some delicious food trucks. All set against the backdrop of the river in Spring Park!
| |
Red, White and Books
Just before Memorial Day, we visited the Green Cove Springs Library branch for "Red, White, and Books: A Patriotic Celebration."
The event, geared for children 12 and under and their families, featured a book giveaway, games, crafts, ice cream, facepainting, a balloon artist- and, of course, voting!
Kids had the opportunity to vote on things like their favorite food, favorite pet, and favorite superpower, using real election equipment. Not only was it a fun event, but it's a chance for them to become familiar with the concept and process of voting! It's never too young to learn the power of your voice. We love being a part of these community events!
| | |
I Voted Sticker Contest
The Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office is preparing for the 2024 Presidential Election and is excited to include a custom “I Voted” sticker for the upcoming election season to help spread the word to get out and vote. Both hand-drawn and digital submissions will be accepted from now until Sunday, November 5, 2023.
The “I Voted” sticker is a fixture at polling locations and proudly worn by voters. This tiny piece of art also serves as encouragement to others to get engaged in the process. To increase a sense of community, showcase local talent, and motivate voters, Supervisor Chambless is inviting Clay County residents, 14 and older, to submit their unique design for an “I Voted” sticker.
Participants are asked to create original artwork, using the guidelines and templates provided, that represents the themes of Clay County, elections, and democracy. The winning piece will be used to create a unique “I Voted” sticker to be distributed throughout 2024 to Clay County’s over 164,500 registered voters.
For the full list of guidelines, template, and instructions to submit your artwork, please visit ClayElections.gov
|  | |
CERA Recertification & Designations
Supervisor Chambless received his recertification as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) through the Election Center’s Professional Education Program. The Professional Education Program is the only continuing professional education program specializing in voter registration and elections administration.
Along with Supervisor Chambless, Elections Services Manager Holly DePaul and Voter Services Manager Kemie Mahan also completed their professional certification as CERA graduates during the 38th National Conference.
Since 1994, the Election Center has partnered with Auburn University to offer professional certification as Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) status. Participants develop practical skills and working knowledge and receive continuing education units (CEUs) from Auburn University and Election Center credit towards the achievement of the profession's highest designation.
After completion of coursework and additional requirements, a student can become a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA). To obtain and then maintain CERA status requires dedication to the highest professional standards and a commitment to continuing education.
The Clay County Supervisor of Election Office strives for excellence and believes that professional development is a key component to its success. Investing in our staff will only continue to improve the election experience for voters as we head into another busy election season.
| |
League of Women Voters Presentation
This summer, Supervisor Chambless and the SOE staff were honored by the League of Women Voters for our work serving the voters of Clay County and continuing our goal of safe, accurate, and transparent elections. It's always a proud moment to be recognized for our accomplishments.
| | |
|
Leadership Clay paid our office a visit in July! Supervisor Chambless led the group on a tour of our facility and detailed some of the procedures in place to ensure safe and accurate elections, including our signature verification process and logic and accuracy testing. He also shared new law changes and answered questions along the way.
We're always grateful for the opportunity to meet members of our community and educate them on how much hard work goes into holding elections- even during an off year.
| | | |
|
Supervisor Chambless, Voter Services Manager Kemie Mahan, Kayla, and Leslie visited Nassau County SOE Janet H. Adkins and her staff for the District Five quarterly meeting.
Baker, Bradford, Duval, Flagler, St. Johns, and Union counties were also in attendance. We're thankful for the chance to collaborate, discuss law changes and implementation, and more with our fellow SOE offices as we head into the 2024 election season.
| |
|
Did you know that June 8th is National Upsy Daisy Day? It was created in 2003 by Stephanie West Allen to encourage people to face the day positively and to get up “gloriously, gratefully and gleefully” each morning.
It seemed like a great excuse to brighten up the staff's day with colorful daisies (thanks to Holly and Kemie), encouraging notes, and a cookout! Between the fun, we held our quarterly office meeting and updated each other on projects each department is working on.
| |
Say Hello!
We've got a couple new faces around here! Please keep reading to learn more about the two newest members of our office! Michelle has joined Elections Services as a Warehouse Clerk, while Marcie is part of Voter Services. We're excited to have these two be part of our team!
| |
|
Michelle is a Clay County local! Before joining the SOE Office, she spent 11 years with Publix. Michelle was looking for a career change that would let her have a little more balance in her life. As the mom of two young kids, she needed a set schedule and one that better aligned with the school calendar. Luckily, she heard about the opening with our office. While she hasn't been here long, she's already become a big part of our team!
In her free time, Michelle likes to spend time with her husband, Tim, and her two children. You can find her in the garden, fishing, or relaxing with a book when she gets the chance.
| |
|
Marcie is originally from Denver, Colorado, but has called Florida home since 1998. Working in the construction accounting field, and then various offices from military household billing to the government, she's lived in Nevada, Colorado, Texas, and Florida.
She wasn't ready to retire completely and held various part time positions for quite a few years. Marcie says she was lucky enough to see the job posting for the Clay County Elections Office and applied. "I was selected and am thankful every day." We're thankful to have her on board as we head into 2024!
Marcie's interests include reading and anything artsy. She takes art classes in mosaics, watercolor painting and clay. She also has a "wonderful son and daughter-in-love," and two college-age grandsons.
| |
Happy birthday to all our staff who celebrated birthdays this quarter! | Our June birthdays Leslie, Anthony, and Jim. | |
Chris celebrating his July birthday with homemade banana pudding. | | |
|
|
Happy Anniversary
Chris............25 years
Jim...............11 years
Stacey............3 years
Magy..............3 years
Heather..........2 years*
*Denotes full-time employment.
| | | | |
