How much does it co$t to win (or lose) a county election?

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

September 6, 2016 1:00 a.m.

With the August 30 Primary Election behind us, with the exception of sign removal, here is the financial tally to date for money collected and spent on the election by the winners and losers, courtesy the Supervisor of Elections Office:

Races in the following contests have not yet been decided, since additional candidates will contest primary winners in the General Election in November.  The only exception is the Sheriff's race, in which incumbent Sheriff Bill Leeper did not draw a primary opponent.  He is being challenged by an opponent with no party affiliation (NPA) in the General Election:

Write-in candidates for Tax Collector and County Commissioner District 5 have not reported any contributions or expenses.  The Libertarian candidate for Superintendent of Schools has not reported any fundraising or expenses for 2016.  Should any of these candidates withdraw before the November election, the Primary winner will be declared elected.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.