ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Residents in St. Johns County’s District 6 have just two weeks to register for the upcoming special election.
According to the county’s Supervisor of Elections, there are several key details to keep in mind before heading to the polls.
Preparation is already in full swing at the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections Office. Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes emphasized the immediate effort that goes into organizing a special election.
“So once the state calls a special election, it’s a full election for us,” Oakes explained. “We immediately have to reach out, secure our polling places, contact our poll workers, [and] schedule training classes.”
The stakes for Jan. 28 primary
The Jan. 28 primary aims to fill Congressman Mike Waltz’s seat, left vacant after his appointment to a national security role in the incoming President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The election spans multiple counties, but not all of St. Johns County will participate. Only voters in District 6, the southern portion of the county, are eligible to vote.
Oakes noted that six counties are involved in this special election: “It’s all of Flagler, all of Putnam, part of Volusia, part of Marion, and also part of Lake County.”
Below is a list of the candidates:
Jan. 28, 2025, Special Primary Election
Republicans:
- Aaron Baker
- Randy Fine
- Ehsan Joarder
Democrats:
- Purvi Bangdiwala
- George A. “Ges” Selmont
- Josh Weil
April 1, 2025, Special General Election
- Republican winner of Primary
- Democratic winner of Primary
- Andrew Parrott (Libertarian Party of Florida - LPF)
- Randall Terry (No Party Affiliation - NPA)
- Chuck Sheridan (Write-In Candidate - WRI)
Over 100 poll workers to mobilize
With nine precincts and two early voting sites in St. Johns County, over 100 poll workers will be needed on Election Day. Training and logistics are a major focus as the date approaches.
Residents in District 6 should expect sample ballots in their mailboxes in January.
Supervisor of Elections requesting $200,000 for election cost, will be reimbursed by the state
Due to its special nature, this election requires a $200,000 budget, which Oakes plans to present to the County Commission for upfront approval. She reassured voters that this amount would be reimbursed by the state.
“To conduct the special primary and the Special General Election that should about cover it for nine precincts, two early voting sites, and the ballots that we need to order and all the functions that have to happen,” Oakes said.
After the primary, the final vote will take place on April 1.
St. Johns County has a special tab on the Supervisor of Dlections web site.
