Voter registration deadline for Presidential Primary: February 16

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

February 1, 2016 10:30 a.m.

As of today, February 1, 2016, there are 58,513 registered voters in Nassau County. Of those, the breakdown is as follows: Democrat, 14,407; Republican, 31,668; Other, 12,438. Look to see those numbers fluctuate as election dates near.

But for now, the most important date for Nassau County voters to mark on their calendar is February 16, 2016. That is the date the books close in preparation for the Presidential Preference Primary that will be held on March 15, 2016 (with early voting March 4-12). You have up to February 16 to register to vote or to change your party affiliation. You can only vote in a Democrat Primary if you are registered as a Democrat, or in a Republican Primary if you are a registered Republican. You may change your registration, depending on which primary is more important to you.

The table below has been updated to reflect information currently available on the Nassau County Supervisor of Elections website www.votenassau.com. Note that changes from last month are listed in bold.

In reviewing this list, several things stand out. First of all in almost all partisan races, only Republicans have filed to run. The exception is the Superintendent of Schools, where a Libertarian candidate has filed.

While incumbent clerk John Crawford has now filed to seek reelection and a second candidate (jimmy Dubberly) has filed to run for District 2 Ocean Highway and Port Authority, no one has filed yet to run in three races: School Board District 2, Ocean Highway and Port Authority District 1 , and Amelia Island Mosquito Control Board District 1.

Unless more Democrats and “Others” enter the local races, most of the elections will be decided in the summer Republican primary. People who choose to vote will need to balance their party of principle against the practicality of being able to vote in a local election. As things are shaping up, only registered Republicans will be able to decide important local races.

Everything you ever wanted to know about running for office—filing, qualifying, financial reporting, etc.—may be found on the Supervisor of Elections website www.votenassau.com. If you are still unclear, you will find that Elections Office staff are knowledgeable and willing to talk with you about your specific questions or the process in general. You may call, visit or email that office, and a friendly, patient staff member will answer all your questions.

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.