This story, which originally appeared at ClickOrlando.com, is part of the News Collaborative of Central Florida, an initiative of independent local news outlets working towards a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
The Aug. 18 Florida Statewide Primary is where political party members (i.e., Democrats and Republicans) will decide who goes to the ballot in November elections.
But they’re not the only candidates on the ballot, and election supervisors want to make sure every voter, whether you belong to a party or not, knows that.
“Yes, the president is an important election. Yes, the governor is at the general, but they’re not the ones worrying about your potholes, your schools, your roadways, your stormwater issues,” said Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Amy Pennock.
Florida is a closed primary state, which means you must be registered with a political party to vote in any of that party’s primaries.
But, some Florida House of Representatives races, will be decided in August in what are called “universal primaries,” said Osceola County Supervisor Mary Jane Arrington.
“These are races where there’s only one party running, and that selection will be made,” Arrington said. “And in the primary, House District 47, in Osceola County, will be a universal primary for every voter.”
Osceola County’s commission elections are partisan, so they are closed primaries. But the county still has school board races and judges races on the ballot for all voters, as well as a Universal Primary.
The Florida House District 47 election will be open to all voters on Aug. 18. The incumbent Republican, Rep. Paula Stark, will not be on the ballot because of a paperwork issue, and the only other candidates are Democrats.
To see what will be on your ballot, go to the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections website HERE (voteosceola.org) and select “Check Your Voter Status” and look up your ballot using your name and birthdate.
Here’s who will be on your ballot depending on what County or School Board district you reside in, regardless of party:
Florida House District 47 (Universal Primary): Jorge Figueroa, Anthony Nieves
Ninth Circuit Judge - Group 1: Temika Hampton-Johnson, Charles Hart, Mikaela Nix
Ninth Circuit Judge - Group 2: Christina Arguelles, Christie Lou Mitchell
Ninth Circuit Judge - Group 31: Steve Kerestes, Kamilah Perry
Osceola County School Board District 1: Greg Filak, Jay Wheeler
Osceola County School Board District 3: Natalie Guzman, Alyssa Noel
St. Cloud City Council Seat 5: Jim Moore, Alex Rodriguez, Kirk Zilke
Kissimmee City Commission Seat 2: Angela Eady, Wanda Román
Kissimmee City Commission Seat 4: Rubin Anderson, Maria Virginia Garcia, Tiffany Jeffers, Janette Martinez
Kissimmee Charter Amendments: Regarding amending the city charter to revise the term limits for the Mayor and Commissioners from two to three consecutive four-year terms; and amend the charter to require all candidates for elected office to consent to a background check to verify eligibility for office.
(Note: Early voting has started in Osceola County, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 16, ahead of Aug. 18 Election Day.)
