The Collier County Primary Election on August 23 includes elections for non-partisan offices and partisan offices. This election helps narrow down the list of candidates for the General Election in November.
All registered voters can vote in the primary for non-partisan offices, including School Board members (Districts 1, 3 and 5) and county judges. Because Florida is a “closed primary state,” only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote the partisan races, and only if there are multiple candidates in each party running. In these elections, voters will select their party’s candidates for: Collier County Commissioners (Districts 2 and 4) plus Florida Governor, Florida Attorney General, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, US Senate, and US House of Representatives (Districts 18, 19 and 26).
A voter may register with a party or change party affiliation, but must do so by July 25 to vote in the August 23 primary. Go to www.colliervotes. gov. click “Register to Vote,” download a Voter Registration Application, and check update. Application must be delivered to the Supervisor of Elections.
Collier County School Board (Non-Partisan)
The School Board is responsible for the operation, control, and supervision of all free public schools within its district. It appoints the Superintendent of Schools, who is the secretary and executive officer of the School Board, and who administers the daily operations of the district. The five School Board members are elected for staggered terms of four years.
School Board candidates will be running for three seats (Districts 1, 3 and 5). All registered voters are eligible to vote for one from each district. If no district candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will appear on the November General Election ballot.
Key issues that candidates will address include school curriculum, contents of school libraries, selection of textbooks and other teaching materials, parental involvement, individual freedoms, teacher morale/turnover and school safety. Visit the candidate websites or www.vote411.org for more information.
District 1 School Board candidates:
Kimberly Ann Boobyer: www.KimberlyBoobyerfor schoolboard.com
Jerry D. Rutherford: jerryrutherford.com
Jory Westberry: www.jorywestberry.com
District 3 School Board candidates:
Jana C. Greer: www.votegreer.com
Kelly Lichter: kellylichter.com
Jen Mitchell: www.votejenmitchell.com
District 5 School Board candidates:
Arthur Boyer: www.boyer2022.com
Jackie Keay: www.votejackiekeay.com
Timothy Moshier: timforcolliercountyschools.org
Roy M. Terry: voteroyterry.com
Ana Turino: anaturino.com
Collier County Judges Group 3 (Non-Partisan)
A county judge presides over citizens’ disputes involving municipal and county ordinances, traffic offenses, landlord / tenant disputes, misdemeanor crimes and monetary disputes of $15,000 or less. These Judges are part of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court and serve six-year staggered terms. For additional details visit candidates’ websites or www.vote411.org.
County Judge candidates:
Pamela Barger: pamelabarger.com
Chris Brown: www.chrisbrown4judge.com
County Commissioner Districts 2 and 4 (Partisan)
Comprised of five members elected from five districts, the Collier County Board of Commissioners is the governing body of the county, responsible for setting policies that protect the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for residents and visitors. The Board of County Commissioners appoints a County Manager to carry out policies and oversee the county’s day-to-day operations. Commissioners are elected for staggered four years terms.
Key issues that candidates will be discussing include responsible growth and development, traffic concerns, affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, a diversified economic base, and protection of beaches and nature areas.
District 2 County Commissioner candidates:
Reg Buxton (REP) electregbuxton.com
Chris Hall (REP) chrishallnaples.com
Gerald Lefebvre (REP) voteforgerald.com
Nancy Lewis (REP) nancylewislistens.com
District 4 County Commissioner candidates:
Daija Hinojosa (REP) votedaija.com
Daniel Kowal (REP) votefordankowal.com
Michelle McLeod (REP) mcleodforcommissioner.com
Penny Taylor (REP) votepenny.com
Only registered Republicans can vote in these commissioner primaries. Facing the primary winners in the November election will be Bebe Kanter (DEM—District 2) and Bill Oppenheimer (Write In, District 4).
Other Items on the Ballot
Depending on your party, the primary will include races for state and federal offices, too. A referendum on the expansion of the Collier Mosquito Control District territory will also be on the ballot for residents of the affected areas. After July 20, Vote 411.org will have information about the full range of candidates/ issues on the primary ballot (www.vote411.org).
“Get Ready to Vote” Webinar
For in-depth information about the primary election and the candidates, voters can attend a webinar presented by Sandy Parker and hosted by the League of Women Voters at 1 p.m. Friday, July 15. Ms. Parker is the founder/publisher of the non-partisan Sparker’s Soapbox website and monthly blog, now in its 12th year. To attend the webinar, register ahead at www.lwvcolliercounty.org and a link will be emailed before the event. A recording of the webinar can be viewed via a link at www.lwvcolliercounty.org by July 20.
Important August 23 Primary Dates
July 13, Vote by Mail Request deadline
July 15, Sandy Parker Webinar
July 25, Voter Registration or Update deadline
August 13 –20, Early In-Person Voting
August 23, Primary Election Day
August 23, Completed Vote by Mail Ballot Received by 7 p.m. ¦
— The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. For more information about the League, see https:// www.lwvcolliercounty.org.
What about Lee County??