Q: Is the redistricting process complete?
A: Locally, yes. The Board of County Commissioners and the School Board adopted their new voting districts on Dec. 9, 2021. Maps of the new districts are available on our website at votesjc.gov. Click on the “Redistricting 2021” icon to view all related documents and maps. The largest changes in district lines occurred in District 1 and District 4, which have both been greatly reduced in size. Districts 2, 3 and 5 increased in size to equalize the population across the districts.
Statewide redistricting continues. The state legislature scheduled to meet between Jan. 11 and March 11, 2022 in Tallahassee to review potential maps and adopt new districts. New Congressional, Florida Senate, and Florida House district lines will be adopted during the session. A link to the State’s 2022 redistricting page is also available on our website. Many maps have already been proposed and are available for public viewing. This is a great place for you to keep up with the committee meetings and action being taken on adoption of the new districts by the state legislature.
Q: What Is the Supervisors of Elections’ role in the redistricting process?
A: Since our voting precinct lines are based on County Commission and School Board district lines, precinct lines must now be redrawn based on the new districts. Many precinct numbers will be changing, and polling places are also under review. Due to population growth in our county, we anticipate adding precincts and polling places in preparation for busy elections in 2022 and 2024. Once the state adopts their districts and my office receives their information, we can finalize our precinct lines and new polling places.
Q: How does that affect me as a voter?
A: District lines affect representation of your elected officials, the races that appear on your ballot and who you vote for in an election. Your representatives, precinct number and polling place may change.
Q: When and how will I be notified of these changes?
A: At the completion of the redistricting project in Tallahassee, all voters in St. Johns County will be mailed a new voter information card. The card will reflect your new district, precinct and polling place. Our goal is to mail these in May.
Q: Will these new changes affect the 2022 elections?
A: Yes. Candidates who wish to run for office must file their paperwork with the Elections Office, or the Division of Elections in Tallahassee to obtain a position on the ballot. The deadline to file to run for office is noon on June 17, 2022.
Q: How can I keep up with the changes and other pertinent election information?
A: In order to help keep you updated on current elections news, my office is launching a new email newsletter in March. Visit votesjc.gov and submit your email address to subscribe.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at voakes@votesjc.com or call me at (904) 823-2238. Our website, www.votesjc.com also has a wealth of information.
