CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – On Tuesday, Nov. 5, thousands of people will line up to cast their votes on Election Day. With the potential for long wait times, campaign signs, and security concerns, News4JAX is here to guide you through a smooth voting experience.
News4JAX sat down with longtime Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless. He said the peak times are generally right around 7 a.m. when polls open, around lunch time and then in the evening.
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If you arrive before 7 p.m., right before polls close and you’re in line, you will vote no matter how long you have to wait as long as you arrive before polls close.
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“It is organized chaos and they need to pack their patience,” Chambless said.
But he doesn’t expect too long of lines compared to other Presidential Elections because of the overwhelming amount of early voting this year. Clay County has set a new record as 62% of the electorate in Clay has already cast a ballot. Other counties are seeing similar numbers.
News4JAX also asked Chambless about rules regarding people campaigning around voting sites. He said they’re not allowed to do it within 150 feet of the polling site.
“So one of the things my staff will do at six o clock in the morning on election day is they’ll establish that no solicitation line that goes out 150 feet from the polling room door. From that 151st foot to the edge of the property you can certainly have your First Amendment rights and campaign,” he said.
As far as security, Chambless said law enforcement will be out and ready in case there are any problems.
He said if you ever see something that’s an emergency or unsafe you can call 911. But if it’s a non-emergency issue that just doesn’t seem right you can alert a poll worker or contact your local Supervisor of Elections office.