INSIDER
Clay County election officials work to build the public’s trust ahead of election season
Read full article: Clay County election officials work to build the public’s trust ahead of election seasonClay County election officials are working to be more transparent with the public to build trust in the election system.
Georgians cast votes in pivotal runoffs for Senate control
Read full article: Georgians cast votes in pivotal runoffs for Senate controlATLANTA – Voting precincts in Georgia closed Tuesday at 7 p.m. in what’s been the most expensive Senate race in U.S. history. After the polls closed, the state began counting vote-by-mail ballots in addition to the votes cast Tuesday. More than 3 million Georgians had voted early, either by mail or during in-person voting in December. If Democrats win both seats, they will have control of the Senate, as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will become the tiebreaking vote. The early turnout was expected to benefit Democrats, as it helped Biden in November become the first Democratic presidential candidate to win Georgia since 1992.
Georgia to again certify election results showing Biden won
Read full article: Georgia to again certify election results showing Biden wonATLANTA – Georgia’s top elections official said his office plans to recertify the state’s election results Monday after a recount requested by President Donald Trump confirmed once again that Democrat Joe Biden won the state. Georgia law allows a losing candidate to request a recount if the margin between the candidates is within 0.5%. Since the results of a recount become the official results, those counties had to recertify their results. The secretary of state’s office was still waiting Monday on one county — Coffee County in south Georgia — to recertify its results. After the initial count following Election Day, Raffensperger selected the presidential race for an audit required by state law.
‘The push was for us to unite’: Hispanic voters in Duval County make their voices heard
Read full article: ‘The push was for us to unite’: Hispanic voters in Duval County make their voices heardIn Duval County, members of the Hispanic community say they saw more campaigns targeting their votes this year. “Most politicians, the wise politicians, at some point or another have addressed the Hispanic community,” said Hispanic voter Carlos Bouvier. Out of 37,496 Hispanics registered to vote in Duval County, 9,289 are Republicans, 14,597 are Democrats and 13,004 have no party affiliation. “I come from an island where we have a big government with high taxes," said Hispanic voter Emilio Ruiz. Hispanic voters say also in their minds while voting were responses to disaster relief and passing the minimum wage.
Election, fraud allegations sow distrust in news coverage
Read full article: Election, fraud allegations sow distrust in news coverageJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Times are tense right now and that’s made many of you upset with the coverage of the 2020 presidential election. From President Donald Trump to his top supporters, there’s a lot of doubt in the election results and the free press. This sentiment spills over into local news coverage, like what we’ve been doing WJXT for 71 years. Social media followers have dropped across the board at most local news outlets since the results of the election. They cannot rely on unfounded claims on social media.
Florida attorney general signs on to Pennsylvania ballot brief
Read full article: Florida attorney general signs on to Pennsylvania ballot briefTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody signed on Monday to a brief aimed at convincing the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that allowed Pennsylvania elections officials to count some late-arriving absentee ballots. Moody was one of 10 Republicans attorneys general who filed the brief in a challenge to a decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that allowed counting absentee ballots received up to three days after the Nov. 3 election. The case is one of a flurry of lawsuits filed by Republicans alleging potential ballot fraud in various states. The GOP attorneys general in Monday’s brief said the decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court “exacerbated the risks of ballot fraud” in the key swing state. The brief was filed by Moody and the attorneys general of Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota and Texas.
Legal experts explain what it will take for Trump to overturn election
Read full article: Legal experts explain what it will take for Trump to overturn electionJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As President Donald Trump’s campaign continues to make allegations of fraud and systemic problems in last week’s election, without enough evidence in court, he will not be able to overturn his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden. News4Jax on Monday spoke with legal experts about what it will take for Trump to have any hope of overturning the election but didn’t speak with one attorney or analyst who thinks this is an easy path for the president. The most critical state where Trump would need to win a lawsuit would be in Pennsylvania. Some wonder whether Trump would have more success in the U.S. Supreme Court, where he has installed three justices during his term. There are some critical deadlines Trump’s legal process is fighting against to win in court.
Georgia fighting through election controversy
Read full article: Georgia fighting through election controversyThe 2020 election continues to focus on Georgia. First and foremost, former Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden will become the 46th president of the United States," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. I believe the President may have legal challenges underway in five states.”While Schumer and McConnell disagree in Washington, D.C., Georgia is fighting through election controversy. Buddy Carter, who represents Southeast Georgia and was just reelected to the House of Representatives. Carter said the election dispute is about fairness -- not whether someone is Republican or Democrat.
President-elect Biden begins transition while President Trump has yet to concede
Read full article: President-elect Biden begins transition while President Trump has yet to concedeAs President-elect Biden begins his transition to take over the reins of power in January, President Trump has yet to concede the election. His campaign has already filed multiple lawsuits in swing states around the country where the vote count was close. The issue of the lawsuits the Trump campaign intends to file is complex because there are simply so many. The most critical lawsuits at this point appear to be in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, which President-elect Biden is beating President Trump by about 40,000 votes. Trump campaign lawyers said another lawsuit will be filed Monday.
Biden’s prioritizing COVID-19 agenda is welcome news for doctor
Read full article: Biden’s prioritizing COVID-19 agenda is welcome news for doctor“Have a uniform direction, transparency across the country -- for the businesses, for the individual, across the country and county. “What we needed from the beginning, the basic things that science has taught us at this point is to wear that mask, social distance and hand hygiene." Reza said he supports a national mask mandate, something Biden advocated during his campaign. “I am, because science is going to take the lead on fighting this pandemic and that’s what we need,” Reza said. “It is not a political reason to not wear a mask or to wear a mask.
Athletes around the country share reactions to news of presidential election
Read full article: Athletes around the country share reactions to news of presidential electionAthletes across the country were out in full force Saturday after the Associated Press declared that Joe Biden won the presidential election. Lakers star LeBron James had been particularly outspoken on Twitter in the lead up to the election, but went with humor on Saturday. Yoooo @KingJames y’all can go to the White House and celebrate y’all title G! FOE and more THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! 🇺🇸 ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼 — Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) November 7, 2020Alex Morgan, another part of the U.S. women’s soccer national team, had this photo to share.
Reaction pours in to Joe Biden becoming president-elect
Read full article: Reaction pours in to Joe Biden becoming president-electBarack ObamaFormer President Barack Obama tweeted: “Congratulations to my friends, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris — our next President and Vice President of the United States.”Congratulations to my friends, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris — our next President and Vice President of the United States. Now we have a President-Elect and Vice President-Elect who will serve all of us and bring us all together. #adayofcelebration — B.A.Priestly Jackson (@Priestjax) November 7, 2020Florida Democratic PartyFlorida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo released the following statement:"Congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are ready to go to work for American families. #justsaying #PatriotsHoldTheLine #CountEveryLegalVote — Kat Cammack (@Kat_Cammack) November 7, 2020Mitt RomneySen. Mitt Romney said: “Ann and I extend our congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.”Ann and I extend our congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
Photos: This is what ‘stop the count’ protests look like across the country
Read full article: Photos: This is what ‘stop the count’ protests look like across the country(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Trump supporters gather for a demonstration outside the TCF Center on Nov. 6, 2020 in Detroit. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Trump supporters gather for a demonstration outside the TCF Center on Nov. 6, 2020 in Detroit. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Supporters of President Trump hold signs and chant slogans during a protest outside the Philadelphia Convention Center. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)Supporters of President Trump yell at a counter protester at the Maricopa County Elections Department office on Nov. 6, 2020 in Phoenix. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (2020 Getty Images)
Nevada is taking forever to count its votes, so of course, the internet made memes
Read full article: Nevada is taking forever to count its votes, so of course, the internet made memesIt’s been exhausting waiting for the results of the 2020 election to come in, but there has been one good thing that has come out of all this: The memes. Specifically, the memes about Nevada. So without further ado, here are the best memes floating around the internet -- that will surely give you a much-needed laugh. Nevada: pic.twitter.com/XldmGVrex6 — 🧞♂️ (@JafarTheGenie_) November 5, 2020This is how Nevada counts ballots pic.twitter.com/JQFy83B2WV — Max Burns (@themaxburns) November 5, 2020Live footage of Nevada working on those ballots pic.twitter.com/14RrZ2Ce8w — Miss Cuffy, Unstable Genius🥃🔥 (@MissGFYCuffy) November 5, 2020Nevada after counting 113 ballots in one day. pic.twitter.com/JAkgsBNT2p — Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) November 5, 2020And finally...
Biden takes Pennsylvania, Nevada, declared winner in presidential election
Read full article: Biden takes Pennsylvania, Nevada, declared winner in presidential electionDemocrat Joe Biden has been declared the winner in both Pennsylvania and Nevada, eclipsing the 270 Electoral College votes threshold to become the projected winner of the presidential race and end President Donald Trump’s tenure after just one term. Biden took the lead early Friday in both Georgia and Pennsylvania. The Associated Press called Pennsylvania for Biden on Saturday morning to give him enough electoral votes to win. Biden was on track to win the national popular vote by more than 4 million, a margin that could grow as ballots continue to be counted. With Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes and the six from Nevada, Biden is now at 290, according to the AP.
Georgia voters face final deadline to have ballot counted
Read full article: Georgia voters face final deadline to have ballot countedThe state’s voters are facing two key deadlines: the cure ballot deadline and an absentee ballot deadline for military and citizens living overseas. Voters in the peach state can cure absentee and provisional ballots until the end of the day. Georgia law says voters with cure ballot issues can be contacted by email or phone call. Meanwhile, 8,899 absentee ballots from military and overseas voters have not yet been returned to election office as of yesterday morning. Gabriel Sterling, who oversees the state’s electronic voting system, said it’s federal law that ballots which meet those requirements are counted.
Election results: What states are we still waiting on, and why? A breakdown
Read full article: Election results: What states are we still waiting on, and why? A breakdownA handful of pivotal states remained in play Thursday in the tightly contested U.S. presidential race. But there are outstanding ballots left to be counted in the coming days. North CarolinaThe situationWith ballots left to count, the race is too early to call. As long as those ballots are postmarked by Nov. 3, state election officials have until Nov. 12 to count them. And when it comes to mail ballots, Biden was outperforming Trump.
Campaign pups throughout the years: These 11 photos will make you crack a smile
Read full article: Campaign pups throughout the years: These 11 photos will make you crack a smileWe found the following 11 photos from Getty Images, and we thought they were worth a share. (Getty Images)Pierre, a 5-year-old basset hound, apparently is a loyal fan of then-President Johnson -- and was happy to pose with a campaign button. (Getty Images)A dog wears a campaign sticker for Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden during a campaign stop at the Buttercup diner on March 3, 2020 in Oakland, California. This photo was taken in front of the White House as the pups wore campaign buttons for Lyndon B. Johnson for President. (Getty Images)In Honolulu, Hawaiian women are seen casting their votes during a presidential election -- and even a dog doesn't dare peek.
Election brings 2 big changes for Clay County schools
Read full article: Election brings 2 big changes for Clay County schoolsThere are some major changes for the Clay County school district. There has also been a major shift on the Clay County School Board. Longtime School Board member Carol Studdard, who has been a board member for almost three decades, lost to Beth Clark. The other headline of note in Clay County is Studdard losing her re-election bid for the first time. District officials tell News4Jax wanted this new tax hike to be a sales tax so it wasn’t specifically funded only by property owners in Clay County.
Approval of minimum wage hike draws mixed reaction among Jacksonville business owners
Read full article: Approval of minimum wage hike draws mixed reaction among Jacksonville business ownersJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida voters approved an amendment raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next six years. On Wednesday, News4Jax spoke with a couple of small business owners about the impact that the change will have on business. Amendment 2, which was approved by a supermajority of Florida voters, will raise Florida’s minimum wage gradually over the next six years. 2 - Raising minimum wage Raises the state’s minimum wage to $10 per hour effective Sept. 30, 2021, and increase it each Sept. 30 thereafter by $1 until the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour on Sept. 30, 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation.
Duval County canvassing board considers provisional ballots
Read full article: Duval County canvassing board considers provisional ballotsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Even though Duval County finished the overall counting of ballots, the canvassing board is still working to make sure every legitimate vote is accepted. By Saturday, the elections results in Duval County have to be certified and sent to the state. The canvassing board is also looking at vote-by-mail ballot where signatures don’t match the signature on file. That could have put a kink in Duval County elections results. Chris Hand, a lawyer for the Duval County Democratic Party, was one of those who raised the objection.
Florida voters express distrust of pre-election polls
Read full article: Florida voters express distrust of pre-election pollsElections results versus pre-election polls are two very different showings. Several polls had former Vice President Joe Biden winning the election and even him turning Florida blue. While we still do not know the winner of the 2020 presidential election, we know Florida did not go blue. This includes the results to many pre-election polls. Florida is a battleground state that some polls anticipated could flip from red to blue.
9 photos that prove Election Day 2020 was different than any other in recent years
Read full article: 9 photos that prove Election Day 2020 was different than any other in recent yearsThere’s no doubt that Election Day this year was one for the books. After record-setting early voting, people still showed up in droves on Election Day to cast their ballot. Below are 10 photos -- all from Getty Images -- that give an indication of how different this Election Day looked. (2020 Getty Images)Protesters march through the streets around Black Lives Matter Plaza on Nov. 3 in Washington DC. (2020 Getty Images)Did you feel things were different this year?
Sarah McBride becomes the first openly transgender person to be elected state senator
Read full article: Sarah McBride becomes the first openly transgender person to be elected state senatorWhile most Americans continued awaiting the presidential election results, history was silently being made in Delaware. Sarah McBride, 30, made history on election night by becoming the first openly transgender person to be elected to the state Senate in U.S. history. “I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too,” McBride tweeted Tuesday night after the election was called. McBride is a former spokesperson for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign and also became the first trans person to speak at a major political convention. McBride will represent parts of Bellefonte, Claymont and Wilmington, the state’s largest city.
Secretary of state calls Florida’s election a success
Read full article: Secretary of state calls Florida’s election a successTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Despite record numbers of mail ballots and early voting, Florida’s secretary of state said the state saw medium to high turnout on Election Day. She said the election went smoothly here, but there were isolated issues. Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee reported the state’s election systems were not compromised by cyberattacks and called the election a success. “And what we have seen today is an example of incredible teamwork between Florida’s voters, our poll workers and our supervisors of elections,” Lee said. Lee also noted voters were well mannered and respectful at the polls.
Florida voters back raising minimum wage to $15 over 6 years
Read full article: Florida voters back raising minimum wage to $15 over 6 yearsFlorida voters on Tuesday approved raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next six years, which advocates say will lift the pay for hundreds of thousands of workers in the state’s service-heavy economy. A supermajority of Florida voters approved the amendment to the Florida Constitution that will raise Florida’s minimum wage from the current $8.56 an hour to $15 an hour by 2026. Although Florida’s current minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, supporters of Amendment 2 said it is impossible to live on that wage given the state’s cost of living. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will increase the income of a quarter of Florida’s workforce, according to the Florida Policy Institute. Florida joins seven other states that have made plans to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next several years.
Jody Phillips wins Duval County clerk of court race
Read full article: Jody Phillips wins Duval County clerk of court raceJACKSONVILLE, Fa, – Republican Jody Phillips defeated Democrat Jimmy Midyette in the race for Duval County clerk of court. It was one of the few local races on the ballots of Jacksonville voters this year. Phillips' margin of victory was 51% to 49%. Duval County Clerk of the Court Ronnie Fussell, who has served as clerk since January 2013, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. Phillips will take over for outgoing Court Clerk Ronnie Fussell, who could not seek reelection after eight years in office.
Clay County voters pass half-cent sales tax to upgrade schools
Read full article: Clay County voters pass half-cent sales tax to upgrade schoolsA half-cent sales tax measure to benefit schools in Clay County was passed by voters on Tuesday, bringing the county much-needed relief for improvements to schools there. The measure, which passed 56% to 44%, will increase the sales tax in Clay County to 7.5 cents beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Coordinator of Planning and Intergovernmental Relations Head Jim Fossa said that Clay County expects to need five to seven new schools in the next five to 10 years due to growth in Clay County. Here’s a look at how that half-cent sales tax will benefit area schools. It is the second major funding boost that Clay County voters will have approved for schools in recent elections.
These celebrities are proudly showing off their ‘I Voted’ stickers
Read full article: These celebrities are proudly showing off their ‘I Voted’ stickersCelebrities -- they’re just like us. Well, not really, but they definitely vote, and they definitely post selfies on Election Day with their “I Voted” sticker. Here are a few celebs who have let social media know they are exercising their constitutional right to have their voice heard. Laura DernSnoop DoggJessica AlbaNatalie PortmanJennifer LopezCharlize TheronBlake Lively and Ryan ReynoldsDemi LovatoDrew BarrymoreLizzoMariah CareyKerry WashingtonAshlee Simpson RossReese WitherspoonHalle BerryNick JonasSelena GomezBrittany SnowJimmy FallonJoe Jonas
These are the states to watch closely on election night
Read full article: These are the states to watch closely on election nightThe former vice president is competitive in all the battleground states Trump carried in 2016, and has put a handful of traditional Republican states, including Georgia and Arizona, in play. Grab the binoculars and focus on these 10 states as election returns start rolling in:Florida: 29 electoral votesAll eyes are on Florida, a swing state known for razor-thin election tallies. If Trump doesn’t win Florida, he’s going to have a rough time capturing enough states to stay in office. As early voting began in the state, Biden expanded his ad buys into every corner of Ohio. Trump won Arizona in 2016, but it is no longer an ironclad GOP stalwart.
AP VoteCast: Trump, Biden voters differ on pandemic, economy
Read full article: AP VoteCast: Trump, Biden voters differ on pandemic, economyMost Trump voters say he has changed Washington for the better; most Biden voters say he's changed it for the worse. About half of Trump voters called the economy and jobs the top issue facing the nation, while only 1 in 10 Biden voters named it most important. A majority of Biden voters — about 6 in 10 — said the pandemic was the most important issue, more than twice the share of Trump voters. Trump voters were more likely than Biden voters to say they agreed with their candidate all or most of the time, 81% versus 74%. Biden voters were somewhat more likely than Trump voters to say they’ve felt the impact in at least one of those ways, 73% to 62%.
Battleground races we’re watching across the U.S. today
Read full article: Battleground races we’re watching across the U.S. todayPolitical teams across Graham Media Group are watching “battleground” races in Texas, Florida, Michigan and Virginia. TEXASThe entire state of Texas itself is something of a battleground with Democrats holding onto a longshot hope of turning the long-red state blue. Here’s a report from KPRC2 in Houston and KSAT in San Antonio on competitive districts in the Lone Star state:Follow all Texas results on Click2Houston and KSAT.com. Follow all Florida results on News4Jax, ClickOrlando and Local 10 (Miami). Follow Virginia results on WSLS.com.
Arbery’s mother: Election day vote is ‘for me and Ahmaud’
Read full article: Arbery’s mother: Election day vote is ‘for me and Ahmaud’Not far from where her son was shot and killed, Wanda Cooper-Jones cast her vote. “I couldn’t miss the election for nothing,” she said after voting in Glynn County on Tuesday. McMichael, his father, Gregory, and William Bryan face murder and various other charges in relation to Arbery’s death. Arbery’s death became a major national story after video of the encounter was released in early May. Former President Barack Obama called Arbery’s murder an “injustice.”In the following months, his first name alone became enough to evoke passionate and emotional responses.
Here’s what voting looks like across the nation today
Read full article: Here’s what voting looks like across the nation todayHere’s what voting across the nation looks like today -- one of the most historic election days in recent history. (2020 Getty Images)Would-be voters learn they are not registered at their precinct at the O.P. (2020 Getty Images)Voters cast their ballot at The Orpheum Theater on Nov. 3 in Madison, Wisconsin. (2020 Getty Images)Voters stand in ballot boxes at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Nov. 3 in Louisville, Kentucky. (2020 Getty Images)
Lena Pringle checks in at noon on Election Day in St. Johns County
Read full article: Lena Pringle checks in at noon on Election Day in St. Johns CountyIf you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801. Copyright © 2020 News4Jax.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.
Amendment 2 explained: Florida to vote on raising minimum wage
Read full article: Amendment 2 explained: Florida to vote on raising minimum wageFla. – One of the amendments you will vote on this year is a minimum wage initiative, Amendment 2. Floridians can decide to raise the minimum wage over time. The minimum wage in Florida now is $8.56 an hour. If voters approve the measure by sixty percent, the state minimum wage goes up to $10 in September 2021. The debate over raising the minimum wage in the state has largely pitted employers against workers.
Celebrities who’ve been vocal about their support for Trump or Biden this election season
Read full article: Celebrities who’ve been vocal about their support for Trump or Biden this election seasonSome people think that celebrities should stay out of politics, but that hasn’t stopped these famous people from throwing their support behind Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden or current President Donald Trump. Celebs supporting Trump:Kirstie AlleyThe outspoken actress tweeted a couple weeks ago that she was supporting the incumbent president in the upcoming election. Celebrities supporting Biden:Taylor SwiftAfter staying silent about who she was voting for in the 2016 election, Swift has made it very known that she is supporting Biden in this year’s race. Chris EvansCaptain America himself has been working around the clock, it seems, to get people motivated to get out the vote this election. He has critiqued the current administration on Twitter and thrown his support behind Biden.
13 comfort food and cocktail recipes to make if you’re super stressed on election night
Read full article: 13 comfort food and cocktail recipes to make if you’re super stressed on election nightIt doesn’t matter who or what you’re voting for in the 2020 election, if anything is clear, it’s that Americans are STRESSED about the results.
5 ways you can help fight misinformation on Election Day
Read full article: 5 ways you can help fight misinformation on Election DayAs Election Day finally arrives it is going to be easy to feel overwhelmed by the volume of information being aimed at every single voter in the country. As polls open here are five things to watch for on Election Day 2020:Many, many reports, photos, and videos of long lines. You can also share what you are seeing with the Trust Index team and we’ll get to work on it. Use the Trust Index form to send it to trained fact-checkers for review and possible debunking on a newscast or online. The Trust Index team fact checks questionable information circulating on social media and in our communities.
This is Florida’s rule on selfies at polling stations
Read full article: This is Florida’s rule on selfies at polling stationsWe understand documenting that you’ve voted is important to a lot of people — especially when you get that “I Voted” sticker. You should be proud of yourself for casting your vote, but know that there are strict rules in some places when it comes to taking pictures at polling places. “No photography is permitted in the polling room or early voting area, except an elector may photograph his or her own ballot,” the Florida Legislature website states. Voters should always practice courtesy and common sense, and you can always ask a poll worker to specify what the rules are. When in doubt, just wait until you’re back in your car to snap that “I Voted” sticker selfie.
A terminally ill woman mailed in her ballot. Now, after her death, her vote won’t be counted.
Read full article: A terminally ill woman mailed in her ballot. Now, after her death, her vote won’t be counted.We’ve heard of people out in droves who voted early or sent a mail-in ballot. Lines at early-voting precincts have had some crowds waiting hours -- but to cast a ballot, many find the time well-spent. Pflughoeft was fascinated with politics and determined to vote in the 2020 General Election, so she mailed in her ballot early. All the other states have various stipulations as to whether they will allow the ballot of a deceased person to count, such as when the person died and when the death is learned. However, if past elections are any indication, votes from people who pass away before Election Day generally don’t have an impact on the results, according USA Today.
Breaking down half-cent sales taxes on Duval, Clay ballots
Read full article: Breaking down half-cent sales taxes on Duval, Clay ballotsBoth the Duval County and Clay County school districts are hoping voters will approve half-cent sales taxes meant to fund school building improvements and security upgrades. Duval County half-cent sales taxIn Duval County, a half-cent sales tax on sales would rake-in nearly 1.72 billion over its 15-year life. NEWS4JAX VOTER’S GUIDE | Duval County Amendment 2: half-cent sales tax for schools | Clay County: School sales taxClay County half-cent sales taxIn Clay County, a half-cent sales tax would collect more than $13.46 million a year, but this one would have a 30-year lifespan -- doubling Duval County’s. And, despite being a third of the size of DCPS, Clay County District Schools has twice the amount of portable classrooms. News4Jax also put together a map that plots all the schools in the Clay County school district with planned expenditures.
Glynn County poll workers expect at least 13,000 more voters Tuesday
Read full article: Glynn County poll workers expect at least 13,000 more voters TuesdayBRUNSWICK, Ga. – With one day of voting left to go, Georgia has already shattered voting records from 2016. In Glynn County, election workers said they’ve already surpassed the number of voters they had after Election Day 2016. In Brunswick, Deborah Alcantara dropped off her father’s mail-in ballot on the day before Election Day. “For two months, he’s been unconscious with pneumonia and COVID. Already the county has surpassed the number of votes counted by Election Day in 2016.
Opponents of half-cent tax for Duval school improvement say it’s not needed quite yet
Read full article: Opponents of half-cent tax for Duval school improvement say it’s not needed quite yetOpponents contend it’s not the time for such a tax yet and that institutional changes need to be made first. One of those opponents is Chris Oliver, father to a preschooler in the school district. “It’s not that this doesn’t need to be passed, but it doesn’t need to be passed quite yet," Oliver said. News4Jax constructed an interactive map showing where the district is planning to invest the tax revenue if the referendum passes. A similar ballot measure is being weighed by voters in Clay County’s school district.
Trust Index: How you can become a fact-checker on Election Day and beyond
Read full article: Trust Index: How you can become a fact-checker on Election Day and beyondIt can sometimes be difficult to know what in your social media feed is legitimate news or opinion and what is there to purposely misinform you. Fergus Bell, one of the founders of Fathm who helped News4Jax establish the Trust Index, was on The Morning Show on Monday to talk about how to look for misinformation and disinformation on Election Day and beyond. We’ve seen elsewhere in the world that people have died because of misinformation that has been shared on social media. If you have questions about any information you are seeing, you can always send it to the News4Jax Trust Index Team. For more examples of claims we have already explored, check out the Trust Index page.
Trust Index: How you can become a fact-checker on Election Day
Read full article: Trust Index: How you can become a fact-checker on Election DayTrust Index: How you can become a fact-checker on Election DayPublished: November 2, 2020, 10:34 amFergus Bell, one of the founders of Fathm who helped News4Jax establish the Trust Index, talks about how to look for misinformation and disinformation on Election Day.
What to expect at the polls today
Read full article: What to expect at the polls todayThe only way to cast a ballot now is to drop off a mail-in ballot if you haven’t or, more likely, show up in person at your precinct Tuesday. Read the News4Jax Voter’s GuideFind your precinct and know what you needUnlike early voting, Election Day voters can only vote at their precinct. In order to vote at the polls, citizens must show a current and valid picture and signature identification. How to get your last-minute mail-in ballot countedIf you requested a vote-by-mail ballot and haven’t returned it already, the U.S. If your mail-in ballot was rejectedOne of the most common reasons a mail-in ballot is rejected is because of a problem with the signature.
Vote will show Georgia as swing state or extend GOP control
Read full article: Vote will show Georgia as swing state or extend GOP controlATLANTA – The most competitive election cycle in decades could confirm Georgia as a swing state or leave Republicans still in control. Williams, a state senator and chair of the Georgia Democratic Party, wants to use federal power to provide more subsidized health care and guarantee voting rights. The race in Atlanta’s northern suburbs centers around arguments about health care, abortion, support for police and gun control. Bourdeaux, a public policy professor, says government needs to do more to provide access to health care and solve people’s problems. Pandy pledges a bipartisan little-guy approach, saying his priorities include better access to health care, a higher minimum wage and an end to tariffs.
For presidential candidates, South Florida key to winning Sunshine State
Read full article: For presidential candidates, South Florida key to winning Sunshine StateMIAMI – Both presidential candidates have spent time visiting South Florida, which is key to winning the Sunshine State and the nation. There’s a lot of focus on South Florida for the presidential race. Florida is a swing state, and a candidate cannot with the Sunshine State without taking South Florida. He was just in South Florida last week after voting early in Palm Beach County. South Florida has the potential for a lot of problems.
Members of transgender community open up about what election means for them
Read full article: Members of transgender community open up about what election means for themOn Sunday, News4Jax spoke with members of the transgender community about this upcoming election and what it means for them. From inside their Ponte Vedra Beach home, Christina Greeneltch and her wife, Kristie, talked about the 2020 presidential election. I don’t know how they would support others. I would like to think they might, but I don’t know they would.”News4Jax also asked her whether she felt suppressed by the current administration. He’s never done it for politics,” Tiffany Trump said to a crowd of members of the LGBTQ community.
Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan shares advice for those who haven’t voted yet
Read full article: Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan shares advice for those who haven’t voted yetJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan appeared Sunday on “This Week in Jacksonville" ahead of Election Day. Hogan reminded voters that Election Day is always busy and there are usually lines, so if voters come prepared, the lines will be shorter. “And we still believe that.”But he went on to say there was a spike in provisional ballots this week. “So we’re right at 500, I think, provisional ballots," Hogan said. We want to get ahead of that as best we can.”As far as projected voter turnout, Hogan said: “We’ve always looked at between 85% turnout to 92% turnout.”As of Sunday morning, Hogan said, turnout was around 57%.
Road to 270: Biden has options, Trump walks narrow path
Read full article: Road to 270: Biden has options, Trump walks narrow pathThe former vice president is competitive in all the battleground states Trump carried in 2016 and has put a handful of traditional Republican states, including Georgia and Arizona, in play. They would give Biden 279 electoral votes, as long as he wins all the other states in Clinton's column. Under this scenario, Biden would not need to win any other states Trump won in 2016. Once reliably Republican Arizona, offering exactly 11, and North Carolina, with 15, are states Trump won four years ago that are well within Biden's reach. He's also competing for Ohio, which Trump won by 8 percentage points in 2016; Iowa, which Trump won by nearly 10 percentage points; and Georgia, which Trump carried by 5 percentage points.
Law enforcement prepares for possibility of armed militias, voter suppression at Florida polling places
Read full article: Law enforcement prepares for possibility of armed militias, voter suppression at Florida polling placesST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – With just four days until election day, and tensions high across the country, law enforcement agencies are finalizing plans for security at voting sites. Many groups have brought up the possibility of voter suppression attempts, even armed militias hoping to influence people to vote for their candidate or avoid the polls altogether. “The advice is for voters and poll managers not to engage,” said Nancy Abudu with the Southern Poverty Law Center. Meanwhile, law enforcement is on high alert across the country. There could be unrest whichever way it goes.”He noted law enforcement must walk a fine line.
Law enforcement prepares for possibility of armed militias, voter suppression at Florida polling places
Read full article: Law enforcement prepares for possibility of armed militias, voter suppression at Florida polling placesLaw enforcement prepares for possibility of armed militias, voter suppression at Florida polling placesPublished: October 30, 2020, 6:04 pmWith just four days until election day, and tensions high across the country, law enforcement agencies are finalizing plans for security at voting sites.
Audit finds Clay County school portables deteriorating, maintenance costs rising
Read full article: Audit finds Clay County school portables deteriorating, maintenance costs risingCLAY COUNTY, Fla. – One of the issues on the ballot for Clay County voters is whether to approve a half-cent sales tax aimed at updating and repairing building infrastructure and lessening the Clay County School District’s reliance on portable classrooms. READ | Clay County School District Performance Audit“As the district continues to adjust to new leadership, during the global pandemic, we will work collaboratively with the school board and community stakeholders to manage and resolve the suggested observations and recommendations," Clay County superintendent David Broskie. The auditors found that portable classrooms were deteriorating with age, and costs for maintenance and utilities were rising. The audit team recommended formally documenting the required criteria and justification process to provide decision makers a consistent, organized method for future evaluations. But, they recommended enhanced controls to help the district handle the volume and complexity of the projects envisioned in the surtax resolution.
Independent audit of Duval County’s proposed half-cent school tax shows all criteria met or ‘partially met’
Read full article: Independent audit of Duval County’s proposed half-cent school tax shows all criteria met or ‘partially met’JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County voters are deciding on whether to levy a half-cent sales tax aimed at upgrading the security and infrastructure within the local school district, Duval County Public Schools. The Houston-based accounting firm chosen to audit DCPS, McConnell & Jones, published its initial audit report in August 2019, and one year later, the final report was released. Overall, the review showed the district either fully met or partially met all six of the firm’s criteria. In the August 2020 follow up review, two of the items listed as having “partially met” the criteria were upgraded to “met" while the rest remained unchanged. The district did not fail to meet any of the criteria, according to the report.
Is there a racial divide when it comes to length of the voting lines?
Read full article: Is there a racial divide when it comes to length of the voting lines?Is there a racial divide when it comes to voting wait times at precincts? In 2016, white voters waited an average of 10 minutes, according to a survey of voters conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In comparison, Black voters waited an average of 16 minutes and Latino voters were in line an average of 13 minutes, according to the survey. During the 2018 election, Black voters waited an average of 11.5 minutes, Latino voters an average of 11.7 minutes and white voters an average of 8.8 minutes, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. In precincts with 90% or more non-white voters, the average wait time was 32.4 minutes and the median was 13.3 minutes.
Photos show Trump, Biden throughout the years, and their lives look quite different
Read full article: Photos show Trump, Biden throughout the years, and their lives look quite differentWhether you are a supporter of President Donald Trump, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden or someone else, there’s no doubt the two main candidates have led quite different lives. We see pictures nearly every day of the nominees on the road, aiming to gain more votes through rallies and small gatherings. However, we thought it might be interesting to take a peek into what their lives looked like in earlier years. All photos below are copyright Getty Images.
These are the ballot machines and systems available in Florida
Read full article: These are the ballot machines and systems available in FloridaIn Florida, the state uses two methods to vote: An optical scan system or a Direct Record Electronic system, also known as a DRE, according to vote411.org. Here is how the website explains each system:Optical scan: With optical scan, you will receive a ballot, which you’ll take to a private table or booth. The paper ballot will have the names of the candidates and the various measures and initiatives printed on it. When you’re finished, you’ll approach the ballot box, where poll workers will show you how to put your ballot inside. “Some of these devices will show all of the candidates and ballot choices on one big screen.
Service industry makes final push to defeat minimum wage hike
Read full article: Service industry makes final push to defeat minimum wage hikeTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Service industry workers in Destin will protest Amendment 2 on Friday and similar demonstrations were held in Tampa this past weekend. The demonstrations are part of a final push to warn voters that hiking the minimum wage could kill their jobs. Amendment 2 would raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is warning increasing wages in the middle of a pandemic would devastate small businesses. “You vote yourself in thinking that you’re voting a pay raise, I can promise you there’s a really good chance that you’re voting yourself completely out of a job,” said Dover.
Duval County Canvassing Board controversy captures statewide attention
Read full article: Duval County Canvassing Board controversy captures statewide attentionJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – All eyes are watching Florida this election but some are wondering why the Duval County Canvassing Board is trying to keep eyes away. The board, which reviews questionable ballots, is still banning cameras during its meetings and limiting the number of spectators. “The remedy really is transparency,” Marsh said. “If Duval County wants its canvassing board to have trust it needs transparency. In the state capital and 65 other elections canvassing meetings, reporters are allowed in and so are their cameras.
What you need to know about provisional ballots
Read full article: What you need to know about provisional ballotsEarly voting will help rule out some of the potential problems, but even if you have to fill out a provisional ballot on Election Day, there’s still hope. If you do not bring identification, you will be required to vote using a provisional ballot. On the Duval County Supervisor of Elections website, you can input your provisional ballot ID number, so make sure you get a copy of it. But the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections website says you need to call the supervisor of elections office at 904-823-2238. You will also get a notice of rights pamphlet after you vote with a provisional ballot.
80 to 90% voter turnout expected in Northeast Florida
Read full article: 80 to 90% voter turnout expected in Northeast FloridaJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Record voter turnout continues in Northeast Florida as people are taking advantage of early voting. Local election staff has been calling for an 80 to 90% turnout in Northeast Florida and if the trends continue. One of the early voting sites News4Jax was at on Wednesday was in Oceanway at the community center. As of 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the voter turnout was nearly 47% with more than 310,000 ballots cast. St. Johns County has a 59% voter turnout with more early voters than mail ballots.
Federal judge orders USPS to lift limits on extra trips & overtime one week before election
Read full article: Federal judge orders USPS to lift limits on extra trips & overtime one week before electionJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge on Tuesday night issued a sweeping new set of orders for United States Postal Service leadership, reversing the limits Postmaster General Louis Dejoy imposed several months ago. “I’ve got carriers that by the time Friday comes, they’re into the 70-hour range for the week," Friedman said. Friedman told the News4Jax I-TEAM that U.S. postal workers working 20-30 hours of overtime a week have become common during election seasonFriedman said he applauds the judge’s orders to reverse the limitations on mail collection imposed by Dejoy. An emergency motion filed by plaintiffs against President Donald Trump rescinded those USPS guidelines, eliminating a ban on late and extra trips to collect mail. Friedman said the ruling ensures USPS employees can do their jobs without fear of retribution from their employer -- right up until Election Day.
Trump Jr. hosts rally in Jacksonville
Read full article: Trump Jr. hosts rally in JacksonvilleJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Part of a continued effort to fire up voters in Florida, Donald Trump Jr. held a rally in Jacksonville on Wednesday. Trump Jr., who is campaigning on behalf of his father President Donald Trump, hosted three events in the battleground state on Wednesday, including events in Daytona Beach and Vero Beach. You get in more trouble for opening up your business than you do for burning down someone else’s, just look at Philly,” Trump Jr. said. Trump Jr. also praised the coronavirus response in Florida. Donald Trump has proven he simply can’t deliver for Florida, so it is on us to elect someone who will.
6 days until the election: Will we know who won on election night?
Read full article: 6 days until the election: Will we know who won on election night?That is going to produce results coming in at very different times -- perhaps days or even weeks after Election Day. Processing early ballotsIn some places, election officials can begin processing ballots weeks before Election Day. So on Nov. 3, Election Day, officials will have to run an in-person election while also working through the unprecedented number of mail-in votes. Republicans, including Trump's campaign, have been filing lawsuits to stop election officials from counting ballots that are delivered after Election Day. Also, Pennsylvania doesn’t allow early processing of mail-in ballots, further complicating matters.
5 times in which a U.S. president was elected, but lost the popular vote
Read full article: 5 times in which a U.S. president was elected, but lost the popular voteSince the Electoral College was established as the means of electing a president, it hasn’t been often when a president won the election without winning the popular vote. Despite the fact that Jackson had more electoral votes and won the popular vote, the House voted Adams as President. Cleveland ended up winning the popular vote by more than 90,000 votes, but Harrison won the electoral vote, 233-168. That gave Bush a 271-266 win in the electoral vote, even though Gore won the popular vote by roughly 500,000 more votes. But the electoral vote was a completely different matter, with Trump earning 304 votes to Clinton’s 227.
What happens if your ballot is rejected due to a signature issue?
Read full article: What happens if your ballot is rejected due to a signature issue?As of earlier this week, nearly 10,000 of the more than 14,000 mail-in ballots rejected in Florida were because of signature issues. The Orlando Sentinel found that both Black and Hispanic voters' ballots were rejected twice as often as white voters. The data show minorities had their ballots rejected 0.8% of the time, while white voters’ ballots were rejected 0.3% of the time. Here’s how the process works: The local canvassing board compares the signature on the outside of the ballot to your signature on your driver’s license. If you’ve mailed your ballot and it’s still not showing as received, you can request a new ballot or, at this point, you’ll want to vote in person, which is always an option even if you’ve requested a mail-in ballot.
November Madness: Fill out your 2020 election ‘bracket’
Read full article: November Madness: Fill out your 2020 election ‘bracket’Use the survey below to predict the outcome of the U.S. Presidential election, plus the race for Senate and House. As results come in, we’ll report back on the wisdom of the crowd and share your insights on the election. After we learn the outcome, we’ll search back through the predictions and shout out the prognosticators who got things right. You can also see some early results on how people feel the election will turnout. One small reminder: We’re looking for predictions, not how you want the election to go.
Answers to your questions about Duval County half-cent sales tax referendum
Read full article: Answers to your questions about Duval County half-cent sales tax referendumJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Nov. 3, voters will decide if they agree to pay a half-cent sales tax to help fund repairs to aging public schools in Duval County. If passed, the tax is expected to generate more than $2 billion for the school district. Here are answers to some common questions about the half-cent sales tax referendum:Why not use lottery money? Would any of the sales tax money go to school board or administrative salaries? How can the half-cent sales tax money be used?
LIVE: See the most up-to-date tweets from Trump and Biden right here
Read full article: LIVE: See the most up-to-date tweets from Trump and Biden right hereWe don’t need to tell you that 2020 has been an epic election year. If you’ve kept an eye on social media to stay up to date on all the election happenings, you’ve likely been watching the feeds of President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden. They both address issues, as well as, at times, take jabs at one another. Regardless, it’s one of the best ways to stay up to date on what’s happening with both nominees. If you want to keep an eye on the latest tweets from both Trump and Biden, we’ve got them for you right here.
Voter turnout in Duval County up compared to 2016 election
Read full article: Voter turnout in Duval County up compared to 2016 electionEarly voting numbers have doubled in Duval County compared to 2016, and voting across the country is breaking records as well. Just nine days away from election day, the US surpassed the total for all early voting in 2016. “The last 5 elections I’ve early voted, so it’s convenient and it should be allowed,” said Jones. The vote by mail number is one million more than the entire by mail for the 2016 general election. Early voters in Duval say they want to beat a likely busy election day.
Take our quiz to rate your feelings on the final presidential debate
Read full article: Take our quiz to rate your feelings on the final presidential debateWith less than two weeks before one of the biggest Election Days in history, Republican incumbent nominee, President Donald Trump, and Democratic nominee and former vice president Joe Biden met at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, for the second and final presidential debate. The debate, which appeared to be a little more constructive than the last, was moderated by Kristen Welker of NBC News. What did you think of responses and ideas presented by Biden and Trump? Let us know your reaction by clicking on an emoji below each statement that was made.
Trust Index: Fact-checking the final Trump, Biden debate
Read full article: Trust Index: Fact-checking the final Trump, Biden debateNASHVILLE, Tenn. – The News4Jax Trust Index Team is fact-checking statements made during the final presidential debate on Thursday night between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. Trump on ChinaThe final presidential debate featured a fiery exchange between Trump and Biden over foreign policy in China. Biden on Social SecurityIn one exchange, Biden went after Trump on Social Security. “If in fact, [Trump] continues his plan to withhold the tax on Social Security, Social Security will be bankrupt by 2023 with no way to make up for it,” Biden said. Trump on Super PredatorsDuring the debate, Trump said Biden called Black Americans “superpredators” during the crafting of his controversial 1994 crime bill.
Despite online intimidation, officials say election is still secure
Read full article: Despite online intimidation, officials say election is still secureGAINESVILLE, Fla. – Despite foreign interference in a contentious election, U.S. intelligence officials say the November election will be fair and accurate. The FBI and several other federal agencies are investigating voter intimidation campaigns, including one targeting registered Democrats in North Florida. It’s not entirely clear how voter information was obtained, but Wilcox pointed out someone doesn’t need to be a hacker to get voter information in Florida. And American Conservative Union Chair Matt Schlapp spoke on Monday about threatening letters allegedly left on Trump voters' doors in Kansas City. In a tweet, the Secretary of State told Floridians the state’s databases are secure, and while some voter information is public, no one can know who you voted for.
LIVE COVERAGE: Trump, Biden square off in final presidential debate
Read full article: LIVE COVERAGE: Trump, Biden square off in final presidential debate(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. Watch President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, for the second and final 2020 presidential debate. The debate, moderated by NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker, will cover these topics: fighting COVID-19, American families, race in America, climate change, national security and leadership. We’ll begin once the debate gets underway. (Please note: If the feed below doesn’t show up on your app, open in a web browser.)
More than 120,000 Duval County voters have already cast ballots
Read full article: More than 120,000 Duval County voters have already cast ballotsThere were also long lines again Tuesday at several early voting sites across Duval County. At the Election Center on the Northside, workers were busy opening vote-by-mail ballots. The ballots were signatures that have been verified are being processed and counted. Duval Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan says some of the ballots were filled out incorrectly. As of Tuesday afternoon, 587 people in Duval County have questionable signatures.
Jaguars bringing secure mail-in ballot box to TIAA Bank Field
Read full article: Jaguars bringing secure mail-in ballot box to TIAA Bank FieldJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars are bringing the ballot box to TIAA Bank Field. The team is partnering with the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office to place a secure vote-by-mail ballot box at in Lot J at TIAA Bank Field. The ballot box will be in service for the final window of early voting, Oct. 26 through Nov. 1. Those who choose to use that ballot box in Lot J can drive up and put their ballot in the dropbox without leaving their car. They truly have gone the extra mile to make this opportunity successful.”The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 24.
Biden’s lead over Trump in Florida slips, UNF poll finds
Read full article: Biden’s lead over Trump in Florida slips, UNF poll findsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – While a poll two weeks ago found Vice President Joe Biden with a 6-point lead over President Donald Trump, the same group’s poll released Tuesday found that lead has almost evaporated. Of the likely voters, 48% indicated an intention to vote for Biden, putting him a single percentage point ahead of Trump with 47%. A Harris poll of Florida voters conducted for The Hill and released Friday showed the race deadlocked with 48% each while a Mason-Dixon poll that came out the same day found Biden with a 48% to 45% lead in Florida. Very few people find themselves in the middle with Trump as 82% of the respondents have strong approval or disapproval, the poll found. Tens of thousands of voters anxious to cast ballots in person were lined up when early voting opened Monday across Florida.
Debate commission adopts new rules to mute mics
Read full article: Debate commission adopts new rules to mute micsPresident Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden will have their microphones cut off in Thursday’s debate while their rival delivers their opening two-minute answer to each of the debate topics. The 90-minute debate is divided into six 15-minute segments, with each candidate granted two minutes to deliver uninterrupted remarks before proceeding to an open debate. The open discussion portion of the debate will not feature a mute button, but interruptions by either candidate will count toward their time in the second and final debate Thursday. The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced the rule changes Monday, three weeks after a chaotic opening faceoff between the two presidential contenders that featured frequent interruptions. The commission has faced pressure from the Trump campaign to avoid changing the rules, while Biden’s team was hoping for a more ordered debate.
Are mail ballots the new hanging chads?
Read full article: Are mail ballots the new hanging chads?TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Of the 2.5 million mail ballots already returned, 12,000 can’t be counted until signature problems are fixed. Three million mail ballots remain outstanding, and problems with mail ballots may well be the source of lawsuits challenging this year’s election results. Mail ballots could be the hanging chads of 2020, as 12,000 have already been flagged for problems. The difference between hanging chads and mail ballots is that with hanging chads, voters never really knew if their ballot was counted. So far this year, more than 5 million mail ballots have been requested compared to the 2.7 million cast in 2016.
Local Republicans urge early in-person voting
Read full article: Local Republicans urge early in-person votingJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Republican leaders and candidates from Northeast Florida urged voters to visit early voting sites and cast their ballots as early voting began Monday. “You want to be first in line, and you can do that now because election day actually starts today.”Black said early voting sites are safe and hygienic. There were crowds waiting when early voting sites opened Monday across Jacksonville and across Florida. Hogan said masks are encouraged but not required at voting precincts, and he’s taken extra steps to ensure voting sites are thoroughly cleaned. The Republicans who spoke Monday encouraged in-person voting for Duval County residents on the first day of early voting but made no mention of mail-in voting.
REPLAY: Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debate
Read full article: REPLAY: Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debateREPLAY: Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debatePublished: October 14, 2020, 9:45 pmWatch U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Donna Deegan square off in Jacksonville for the only televised debate in the 4th Congressional District race. Wednesday’s debate, hosted by News4JAX in partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, will be moderated by Kent Justice.
Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debate
Read full article: Rutherford & Deegan square off in only televised debateJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Democratic challenger Donna Deegan squared off Wednesday evening in the only televised debate in the 4th Congressional District race. During the debate, Deegan and Rutherford both touched on the coronavirus pandemic, health care, the economy and social justice. The individual income tax cuts expire in 2025. Deegan said she would support that plan, while Rutherford said absolutely not. People simply want racial justice.”Watch: Rutherford & Deegan ask each other a questionTo learn more about the candidates, visit News4Jax’s Voter’s Guide.
Rutherford, Deegan debate health care, social justice and Supreme Court
Read full article: Rutherford, Deegan debate health care, social justice and Supreme CourtNews4Jax, in partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, hosted the debate, which was moderated by Kent Justice. During the debate, Deegan and Rutherford both touched on the coronavirus pandemic, health care, the economy and social justice. It is anything but affordable.”Supreme CourtThe debate comes on the same week as Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings. The individual income tax cuts expire in 2025. People simply want racial justice.”Watch: Rutherford & Deegan ask each other a questionTo learn more about the candidates, visit News4Jax’s Voter’s Guide.
Elections officials say focus is ‘getting this right’
Read full article: Elections officials say focus is ‘getting this right’“Our focus is on getting this right, not getting it done as fast as possible to satisfy all the voices out there clamoring for instantaneous results. Supervisors and public-interest groups are trying to spread the word that it could take days for elections officials to get a final tally in the battle between President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. In Florida, elections officials are allowed to begin processing mail-in ballots weeks before Election Day. Uncertainty about the outcome of the Trump-Biden race by the end of Election Day is OK, they emphasized. After Election Day, officials have to scrutinize provisional ballots, ballots of voters who had an opportunity to “cure” mismatched signatures, and verify precinct-level results.
Insiders prepare for election malfunction
Read full article: Insiders prepare for election malfunctionTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Concern that there may not be a decision on election night is putting a new focus on congressional elections in Florida and elsewhere. If no presidential candidate receives 270 electoral votes, the ultimate decision would be up to the U.S. House of Representatives. Florida has 14 Republican and 13 Democratic members of the U.S. House. But the most vulnerable is House District 26, which is held by U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Democrat. The Florida House went so far as to name GOP electors just in case Florida’s election outcome and the outcome of the race were still tied up in court.
Support to raise minimum wage in Florida not a sure thing, according to poll
Read full article: Support to raise minimum wage in Florida not a sure thing, according to pollIn just over 3 weeks, Floridians will decide if the minimum wage should be raised in the sunshine state. A new poll from the University of North Florida shows a thin margin of support for the measure. Amendment Two, if passed by Florida voters, would slowly raise the minimum wage from the current $8.56 to $10 on Oct. 30 of next year. After that, Amendment Two would see the minimum wage go back to being adjusted for inflation each year. Support for the minimum wage hike appears to be sitting right at the 60% mark, which is the threshold needed to adjust the Florida constitution.
Supporters concerned about half-cent sales tax question’s placement on ballot
Read full article: Supporters concerned about half-cent sales tax question’s placement on ballotJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There are just over three weeks until ballot collection ends for the 2020 election and voters decide on a measure to implement a half-cent sales tax to fix aging schools in Duval County. The measure’s backers say they’re concerned about the ballot itself, particularly where the tax question is positioned on the ballot. “There are two pages to the ballots," explained Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci, who’s co-chair of Duval Citizens for Better Schools. "You go to the second page of the ballot, and it’s right at almost at the bottom of the ballot. The half-cent sales tax would provide nearly $2 billion to address improvements at public schools in Duval County over the next 15 years.
Electoral College vs. the popular vote: Why either can outweigh the other on any given election year
Read full article: Electoral College vs. the popular vote: Why either can outweigh the other on any given election yearHave you ever wondered why is it that one candidate can win the popular vote but another wins the electoral vote, and thus, the presidency? Four candidates in history have won a majority of the popular vote only to be denied the presidency by the Electoral College. That includes Hillary Clinton, who had the largest popular vote margin of any losing presidential candidate in U.S. history. Graphic shows scenario in which a presidential candidate can win the popular vote but lose the election. It would take a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College -- an unlikely move because of how difficult it is to pass and ratify constitutional changes.
Trust Index: Pence says no more hurricanes today than 100 years ago
Read full article: Trust Index: Pence says no more hurricanes today than 100 years agoJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Vice President Mike Pence was asked during Wednesday night’s debate if he agreed with the scientific consensus that man-made climate change has made hurricanes wetter, slower and more damaging. Pence sidestepped the question and offered this response:“With regards to hurricanes, the National Oceanic Administration tells us that actually, as difficult as they are, there are no more hurricanes today than there were 100 years ago.”The Trust Index verdict? According to analysis from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there has been little change in the number of hurricanes we’ve seen recently compared to 100 years ago. “If you’re looking at hurricanes over 100 years, you have to apply the context that we didn’t have satellites before 1966,” Barry said. As NOAA notes, it’s likely the effects of climate change “will cause hurricanes in the coming century to be more intense globally and have higher rainfall rates than present-day hurricanes.”The National Climate Assessment takes things a step further.
Voting by mail surpasses 1 million mark in Florida
Read full article: Voting by mail surpasses 1 million mark in FloridaAs of Thursday morning, 1.178 million vote-by-mail ballots had been turned in to county elections offices, according to statistics posted online by the Florida Division of Elections. While President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised concerns about voting by mail in other states, Gov. Ron DeSantis this week expressed optimism that the majority of mail-in ballots in Florida will be tabulated without causing a delay in results. We’re not sending them to dead people.”Besides the ballots already returned, another 4.34 million vote-by-mail ballots have been sent out, with nearly 1.9 million going to Democrats and about 1.4 million going to Republicans. The next phase of the state’s election process, early voting, begins in many counties on Oct. 19.
News4Jax hosting only televised debate between Rutherford & Deegan
Read full article: News4Jax hosting only televised debate between Rutherford & DeeganJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax, in partnership with Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, will host the only televised debate between U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and challenger Donna Deegan in the 4th Congressional District race, which covers Nassau and parts of Duval and St. Johns counties. We’ve compiled biographies and questionnaire responses for both Rutherford and Deegan as part of our Voter’s Guide — check it out. We’ll carry the debate live on Channel 4 and it will be streamed live on News4Jax.com. News4Jax Political Anchor Kent Justice is the moderator for this debate. The candidates may have the chance to ask each other questions during this hour-long debate.
Trust Index: Fact-checking Harris’ claim that Trump called coronavirus ‘hoax’
Read full article: Trust Index: Fact-checking Harris’ claim that Trump called coronavirus ‘hoax’The global COVID-19 pandemic was the first topic discussed during the vice presidential debate Wednesday night and saw Democratic candidate Sen. Kamala Harris make an oft-repeated claim about President Donald Trump’s characterization of the pandemic. "Can you imagine if you knew on Jan. 28 as opposed to March 13 what they knew? The word “hoax” has been employed by President Trump in relation to the pandemic, but the word was only used to describe the Democratic criticism of his administration’s pandemic response. One example of the Biden campaign’s framing of Trump’s “hoax” comment came in a March 3 video posted to social media. Because of that, the News4Jax Trust Index team is rating this claim by Harris as “Not True.”After review, we've found this information is Not True.
Mail-in ballot mix-ups: How much should we worry?
Read full article: Mail-in ballot mix-ups: How much should we worry?This photo made on Oct. 6, 2020, in Westerville, Ohio, shows Ohio absentee ballots. (AP Photo/Kantele Franko)BOSTON – Several high-profile cases of voters getting incorrect blank absentee ballots in the mail are raising questions about how often such mix-ups occur and whether they could affect this year’s presidential election. About 100,000 absentee ballots with the wrong names and addresses printed on the return envelopes were sent to voters in Brooklyn, N.Y., in late September. County elections spokesman Mike Sanchez said every affected voter has already been mailed a corrected ballot. His bigger concern is the tendency of some election officials to rely heavily on outside contractors, for mail-in and in-person voting.
Trust Index: Harris claims Trump White House removed ‘climate change’ from website
Read full article: Trust Index: Harris claims Trump White House removed ‘climate change’ from websiteDuring the first and only scheduled debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic senator claimed the White House removed references to climate science from its website after President Donald Trump took office in 2017. ″Did you know this administration took the words science off their website and then took the phrase climate change off the website? We have seen a pattern with this administration, which is that they don’t believe in science," Harris said during the debate. In the final days of the Obama administration, one of the issues listed on whitehouse.gov was “climate change.”Soon after President Trump was inaugurated, the list of issues changed on the website. Even though climate change or climate science were not on the site when President Trump took over as commander in chief, it’s important to point out that whitehouse.gov started as a blank slate with the new administration.
Trust Index: Pence accuses Democrats of trying to ‘overturn’ 2016 election
Read full article: Trust Index: Pence accuses Democrats of trying to ‘overturn’ 2016 election“Senator, your party spent the last 3 ½ years trying to overturn the results of the last election,” Pence told his opponent, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California. To say the entire Democratic Party was behind an effort to reverse the outcome of the election can be considered misleading. The impeachment followed a formal inquiry in the House, alleging that the president solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election, and did not involve the 2016 race. The News4Jax Trust Index team advises readers to “Be Careful” with this claim. NEWS4JAX SPECIAL SECTIONS: Trust Index | Vote 2020
Trust Index: Fact-checking claims during Pence-Harris debate about swine flu
Read full article: Trust Index: Fact-checking claims during Pence-Harris debate about swine fluVice President Mike Pence brought up the 2009 swine flu pandemic while he was talking about the coronavirus during the vice presidential debate Wednesday evening with Sen. Kamala Harris. First, the News4Jax Trust Index team looked at swine flu numbers. That’s why the News4Jax Trust Index team is rating this as “Be Careful." What is the Trust Index? NEWS4JAX SPECIAL SECTIONS: Trust Index | Vote 2020