Dear Fellow Democrats,
There is a phrase: “All politics is local.” Local elections impact the way we live. Mid-term elections, like this year’s election, typically see low-voter turnout and the result is that an unrepresentative set of residents determines how local government serves the community. In some places like Charlotte County, it means politically active conservative, older, white voters have disproportionate sway over not only local government but also state, and federal governments. Democracy and citizens suffer as a result.
Florida has a plurality electoral system. What does that mean to you as a registered Democrat?
In a plurality electoral system if all candidates for a partisan office have the same party affiliation the winner will have no opposition in the general election. The candidate who polls more votes than any other candidate is elected. Therefore, all qualified voters regardless of party affiliation may vote in the Primary Election for that office.
All registered Democrats will be voting for important races that will be decided during the Primary Election on August 23:
County Commissioner Districts 2 and 4. These are partisan races with multiple candidates — all from the Republican Party. Therefore, Democrats will be voting in the Primary Election for these seats. There will be no General Election because the winner will be the candidate who receives the most votes during the Primary.
Airport Authority District 2 has only two Republican candidates running. Therefore, Democrats will vote in the Primary Election to determine the winner. There will be no General Election.
We can help you get to know the two candidates for Airport Authority District 2 at a forum held at the next Charlotte County Democratic Executive Committee meeting on August 8th at 5:30 p.m. Register to attend this event HERE.
The Charlotte County Airport Authority owns and operates our Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), which is an important transportation and economic asset for the region, providing hundreds of onsite jobs, space for business and aviation tenants, and more than $1.275 billion in total economic output annually. Visit https://www.flypgd.com/airport-authority/ to learn more about the Airport Authority.
The Charlotte County Democratic Party makes no recommendations as to preferred candidates for these partisan contests.
The School Board election is nonpartisan.
School Board District 1 candidate is Cara Reynolds. The qualifying deadline expired with no apparent opposition to Ms. Reynolds. She has a proven record of supporting public school education, teachers, and students.
There are two candidates for School Board District 4. John LeClair and James Barber. LeClair supports investment in public schools and ensuring every child receives a comprehensive curriculum taught by well trained and well compensated teachers.
Charlotte County Democrats are currently involved in major voter registration and vote-by-mail efforts. Please support our work. Click HERE to get involved.
Important Dates:
Early Voting: August 8 through August 21, 7am-7pm
Vote By Mail Ballot Request Deadline: August 13
Primary Election: August 23
Important Contact Information:
The Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections website is www.soecharlottecountyfl.gov. Phone: 941-833-5400.
Charlotte County Democratic Party website is www.charlottedems.com . Phone: 941-764-8440.
Thanks for all that you do!
Teresa Jenkins, Chair of the Charlotte County Democratic Party
YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
Paid political advertisement paid for by the Charlotte County Democratic Executive Committee, 3596 Tamiami Trail, Suite 202, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.
Paid for by the Charlotte County Democratic Executive Committee. https://www.charlottedems.com. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidates’ committee.
