Tag yourself here, and let everyone know you re getting informed and involved in our #VoteSeminole

Transcription

1 Tag yourself here, and let everyone know you re getting informed and involved in our #VoteSeminole

2 Disclaimers Tonight s session is an overview of the rules and laws relating to elections. It is not intended to be a replacement for research on each candidate s part. Please consult our office or your city clerk for more detailed questions. All information is subject to change, based on legislation and state-driven directives. Any information in this workshop which conflicts with the applicable state or municipal law at the time, will be superseded by said law. City candidates should check with their city clerk for city-specific data. This meeting is open to the public and is being held March 30, 2016 from 6:30-8 p.m. All candidates were notified by of the meeting and as well as being placed on the VoteSeminole.org website; and the elections office Facebook and Twitter pages.

3 America s Finest Elections Team

4 Efficient Elections The core function of the office is ensuring our elections are run fairly and efficiently Seminole County is consistently recognized as a leader in the efficient operations of the elections process. From shorter lines than other counties and states, adequately sized neighborhood-based polling locations, enough supplies and pollworkers, to lightning-quick, accurate election night results, the conduct of the elections are never in doubt.

5 Seminole county has the highest turnout in the tricounty region

6 Excellent Service One of the mantras in the Seminole County elections office is to act as if our customers have somewhere else to shop. We want our voters to be surprised by the service they receive from us. We distribute feedback questionnaires in the lobby of our office and at each early voting center and polling location. After each election the SOE and senior management team reviews each and every card, and we act on suggestions and implement improvements, if needed.

7 Voter Experience Report

8 Fiduciary Conservatism Good government isn t tied to being the highest-funded operation. Seminole County consistently has the lowest budget per capita in the region. Staffing levels 20 years ago, when we had 125k registered voters was 15 staff and an SOE. This year, with more than 275k voters, we have 15 staff and an SOE. For four years, when staff pay was frozen, the SOE voluntarily rejected any pay increase himself.

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10 Voter Confidence The bottom line of our mission statement is the confidence of the voters. No matter how efficient, how fair, how pleasant, or how inexpensive the operation; if a voter doesn t have confidence their vote was counted accurately, then we have failed that voter. The office s measures to ensure fair, open, secure and accurate elections have been featured nationally in media outlets as varied as MSNBC and Fox News as well as highlighted at statewide and international elections conferences.

11 You can now be a part of America s Finest Elections Team

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13 Now, some bad news... At least half of you will lose your election

14 Running a campaign which makes our community proud

15 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will run a campaign emphasizing my qualifications for office and my positions on issues of public concerns and I will limit my criticism of an opponent to legitimate challenges to that person's record, qualifications, and positions.

16 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will condemn any appeal to prejudice based on race, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, or physical disability.

17 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will not publish, display, or circulate any anonymous campaign literature, political advertisements, s, websites, blogs, social media entries, etc., nor will I permit members of my campaign organization to engage in such activities.

18 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will provide campaign finance reports which accurately reflect the contributions received and expenditures made.

19 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will not permit members of my campaign organization to engage in activities designed to destroy or remove campaign signs lawfully displayed on public or private property.

20 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will not permit the use of untruths or innuendoes about an opponent's personal life.

21 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will at all times tell the truth, with complete documentation from legitimate, verifiable sources for any charges against my opponent(s), and substantiate claims about my own record.

22 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will not use or permit use of campaign material that falsifies, distorts, or misrepresents facts. I recognize that duty to my country, my state, my county and my own ethics outweigh any personal ambition for public office.

23 Running a campaign which makes our community proud I will not permit any member of my campaign to engage in these activities and will immediately and publicly repudiate the support of any other individual or group which resorts to the methods and tactics that I hereby condemn.

24 Used with permission of The Orlando Sentinel

25 Some important distinctions Nonpartisan contests City, School Board, Judicial Party-Affiliated contests Constitutional, County Commission, State, Federal Even here, candidates can choose to run with no party affiliation

26 Some important distinctions Florida is a closed primary state, meaning members of each political party choose their own nominee for each office up for each party-affiliated contest. However, if after qualifying, only one political party fields candidates, then the primary election becomes universal, allowing voters of all parties to vote.

27 Some important distinctions The order of candidates on a general election is determined by Florida law, which dictates the party affiliation which received the most votes in the last gubernatorial contest will be first on the ballot for the next four years, which is currently Republican. The party with the next highest vote total in that election, then goes next on the ballot, followed by other parties, then candidates with no party affiliation. The order of candidates in nonpartisan and primary elections is alphabetical.

28 Current landscape of voters Democratic NPA/Other Republican Current registration and 2016 s new registrations, as of

29 August election voting has evolved Polls Absentee Early

30 We provide candidates a daily update of voted mail ballots and early voters

31 2016 upcoming elections Primary Election -- August 30, 2016 Early Voting: August from 10-6 every day General Election -- November 8, 2016 Early Voting: October 22 November 6 from 7-7 every day

32 State offices open in 2016 Florida Senate, District 9 Florida State Representative, District 28 Florida State Representative, District 29 Florida State Representative, District 30

33 Seminole County offices open in th Judicial Court (two Seminole County-based contests) Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Property Appraiser Sheriff Supervisor of Elections Tax Collector County Commissioner, District 1 County Commissioner, District 3 County Commissioner, District 5 School Board Member, District 3 School Board Member, District 4 Seminole County Court (one contest) Soil and Water Conservation District (two contests)

34 Municipal offices open in 2016 Altamonte Springs (two commission seats) Casselberry (mayor & one commission seat) Lake Mary (mayor & two commission seats) Oviedo (three council seats) Sanford (two commission seats) Winter Springs (three commission seats)

35 Who is a candidate? Any person who seeks to qualify for nomination or election by means of a petitioning process; Any person who seeks to qualify for election as a write-in candidate; Any person who receives contributions or makes expenditures or gives his or her consent for any other person to receive contributions or make expenditures with a view to bringing about his or her nomination or election to, or retention in, public office; Any person who appoints a treasurer and designates a primary depository; or Any person who files qualification papers and subscribes to a candidate's oath as required by law.

36 Who can be a candidate? Anyone who is a registered voter in Seminole County; Anyone who has not been a registered member of another political party other than the one under which they are filing/qualifying for a period of 12 months preceding the date of qualifying;

37 Who can be a candidate? County Commission candidates must reside in the district for which they are qualifying at the time of assuming office; School Board candidates must reside in the district for which they are qualifying at the time of qualifying; If required, one's current position or office must be resigned under the resign to run law 10 days prior to first day of qualifying (99.012(3)), Florida Statutes.

38 When do I announce my candidacy? Candidacy may be announced at any time; Must file Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository (Form DS-DE 9) with the Supervisor of Elections office before any contributions are accepted, expenditures made or petitions collected; Must file a Statement of Candidate (Form DS-DE 84) within ten (10) days of filing the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository ( , Florida Statutes). The Statement of Candidate is provided by the Supervisor of Elections.

39 Forms to become a candidate

40 What if the name I want to use on the ballot is not my given name? Our office will provide you with a new form to verify the name you wish to use on the ballot is one which you are commonly known (i.e. David Johnson, Lee Constantine). Note, common variations of your name are not subject to filing the form (Mike vs. Michael, Robert vs. Bob, etc).

41 What must I file to qualify? Loyalty Oath/Oath of Candidate/Statement of Party (Candidates w/party affiliation) (Form DS-DE 24) OR (Nonpartisan contests: DS-DE 25) or (Write-in: DS-DE 24A) OR (NPA: DS-DE 24B) AND Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interest (Form 6) OR Statement of Financial Interests (Form 1) AND Qualifying Fee (check drawn on campaign account) OR Petition Certification from SOE AND Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository (Form DS-DE 9) AND Statement of Candidate (Form DS-DE 84) *If not already on file for the sought position. NOTE: City candidates should consult the city clerk for details about your city s process for qualifying.

42 Forms to qualify Party-Affliated contests Candidate oath with party affiliation Full and Public Financial Disclosure Qualifying fee or petition verification

43 Forms to qualify School Board contests School Board Candidate Oath Full and Public Financial Disclosure Qualifying fee or petition verification

44 Forms to qualify Municipal contests Nonpartisan Candidate Oath Statement of Financial Interests Qualifying fee and/or petition verification Check with your city clerk for more details

45 How do I qualify via petition? The Supervisor of Elections will provide you with the proper format (Form DS- DE 104) for you to seek a number of signatures equal to at least one percent of the total number of Seminole County registered voters. The registration statistics used in computing the requisite number of signatures are those for the 2014 General Election. All petitions for non-judicial candidates must be turned into our office by Noon May 23. Judicial candidates by noon, April 4. If qualifying by petition the number of valid signatures you must secure is: 2,661 NOTE: City candidates should consult the city clerk for details about your city s process for qualifying.

46 How do I qualify via petition? Mary Todd Lincoln Abraham Lincoln X Republican Seminole County Dog Catcher 05/21/ Pennsylvania Ave. Casselberry Seminole FL MaryLincoln April 1, 2016 NOTE: City candidates should consult the city clerk for details about your city s process for qualifying.

47 How do I qualify via petition? Mary Todd Lincoln Abraham Lincoln X Republican Seminole County Dog Catcher 05/21/ Pennsylvania Ave. Casselberry Seminole FL Mary Todd Lincoln April 1, 2016 NOTE: City candidates should consult the city clerk for details about your city s process for qualifying.

48 How do I qualify via petition? Candidates running for nonpartisan offices may not place their party affiliation in any portion of the petition form. The Supervisor of Elections will notify you, in writing, whether the required number of signatures has been obtained prior to the first day of qualifying. During the qualifying period you will submit the petition certification form, along with your qualifying papers, to the Supervisor of Elections. You will not be required to pay the qualifying fee or party assessment and will be entitled to have your name printed on the ballot. Additionally, you may file an Affidavit of Undue Burden with the Supervisor of Elections exempting you from paying the ten cents ($.10) per name checked. This oath must be filed with the Supervisor of Elections at the time petitions are submitted for verification. NOTE: City candidates should consult the city clerk for details about your city s process for qualifying.

49 Fees/petition requirements Office Sought Fee and/or Petitions Sheriff $ or 2,661 Clerk, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector $8, or 2,661 Supervisor of Elections $7, or 2,661 County Judge $5, or 2,661 County Commissioner $5, or 2,661 County School Board $1, or 2,661 Altamonte Springs Commissioner $360 N/A Casselberry Mayor/Commissioner $ or 100 Casselberry Commissioner $ or 100 Lake Mary Mayor $130 N/A Lake Mary Commissioner $112 N/A Oviedo $ and 25 Sanford Commissioner $450 or 250 Winter Springs Commissioner $270 and 15

50 When/where do I file qualifying papers? Office Sought Begins Ends Where Judicial Offices May 2 (noon) May 6 (noon) SOE Office Seminole County June 20 (noon) June 24 (noon) SOE Office Altamonte Springs Aug. 29 (noon) Sept. 6 (4:30) City Clerk Casselberry May 16 (noon) May 20 (noon) City Clerk Lake Mary Aug. 29 (noon) Sep. 2 (noon) City Clerk Oviedo Aug. 8 (8:00) Aug. 12 (noon) City Clerk Sanford May 26 (7:00) June 3 (noon) City Clerk Winter Springs Aug. 29 (noon) Sep 2 (noon) City Clerk

51 When/where do I file qualifying papers? SEMINOLE COUNTY - -Time got away from congressional hopeful Faye Armitage on Monday morning as she rushed to turn in her petition in Seminole County. Armitage is running for the District 7 congressional seat held by John Mica, R- Winter Park. Her petition was turned in two minutes late, according to the supervisor of elections for Seminole County, and thus will not be counted. Armitage insists she was on time. The mishap doesn't mean Armitage can't be on the ballot. Election laws state that a candidate needs to collect signatures from 1 percent of registered voters from the district they want to represent. Armitage has enough signatures without counting the ones in Seminole, she said. If the petitions are not approved, she can pay a qualifying fee that will put her name on the ballot. The Jacksonville Democrat traveled from Jacksonville to Seminole County to register to run for the seat. Armitage said she has proof that her cell-phone clock read 11:59 a.m. when she handed over her papers. However, Michael Ertel, the county's supervisor of elections, said he has time-stamp documentation that shows that her papers were filed after 12:02 p.m. He said his office's clocks are synchronized with the U.S. Naval Observatory Master Clock.

52 Campaign finance limits Individual $1,000 Business entity $1,000 Cash contributions $50 Citizens of other countries $0

53 Campaign finance limits Candidates may contribute as much as they d like to their own campaign

54 Other contribution types Pay Pal May be used List the contribution in whole. Then list the fee as an expenditure. Credit Cards Restricted to statewide candidates Debit Cards May be used Must be obtained from the same bank as the primary depository. May be issued to any treasurer or authorized user limit three. Must expire no later than midnight of the last day of the month of the general election.

55 Other contribution types In-Kind Contributions Definition: a contribution of goods or services provided to the candidate for which money would have otherwise been paid A description of the item or services and the fair market value must be reported to the candidate by the contributor and counted as an aggregate amount towards the $1,000 contribution limit

56 Independent Expenditures An expenditure advocating for or against a candidate or issue which is not controlled by the candidate or committee sponsoring an issue. If the entity making the expenditure communicates AT ALL with the candidate, their campaign team, vendor, advisor or committee about the expenditure, then it is not an independent expenditure, and must be reported as a contribution. A report of expenditures needs to be made to our office if the total expenditures equal more than $5,000.

57 Endorsements You must get any endorsement in writing

58 Whom should I make my treasurer? Most candidates ask a friend to be treasurer and appoint themselves as the deputy treasurer. Campaign or deputy treasurers must keep detailed accounts current within 2 days; deposit all contributions within five business days; file regular reports of all contributions received and expenditures made; preserve these records for the number of years equal to the term of the office sought. A treasurer is no longer required to be a registered voter. The candidate may be the treasurer or the deputy treasurer. Only the treasurer or deputy treasurer can sign a campaign check. If the treasurer resigns he/she is required to notify the candidate and the Supervisor of Elections office in writing in order for the resignation to be effective. The candidate is required to reappoint another treasurer using the DS-DE 9 form.

59 2016 Remaining Reporting Dates Code Due date Covered period M3 April 11, 2016 March 1 March 31, 2016 M4 May 10, 2016 April 1 April 30, 2016 M5 June 10, 2016 May 1 May 31, 2016 P1 July 1, 2016 June 1 June 24,16 P2 July 15, 2016 June 25 July 8, 2016 P3 July 29, 2016 July 9 July 22, 2016 P4 August 5, 2016 July 23 July 29, 2016 P5 August 12, 2016 July 30 August 5, 2016 P6 August 19, 2016 August 6 August 12, 2016 P7 August 26, 2016 August 13 August 25, 2016 G1 September 9, 2016 August 26 September 2, 2016 G2 September 23, 2016 September 3 September 16, 2016 G3 October 7, 2016 September 17 September 30, 2016 G4 October 14, 2016 October 1 October 7, 2016 G5 October 21, 2016 October 8 October 14, 2016 G6 October 28, 2016 October 15 October 21, 2016 G7 November 4, 2016 October 22 November 3, 2016

60 What do I do with surplus funds? Thank you advertising (up to 75 days post-election) Pay bills previously obligated Open an office account (only if elected) Return pro-rata to contributors Donate to 501(c)(3) organizations Donate to your political party Donate to government at level of office for which you ran

61 Tag yourself here, and let everyone know you re getting informed and involved in our #VoteSeminole

62 Advertising disclaimer Political advertisement paid for and approved by Steve Douglas, Democrat, for Seminole County Dog Catcher Or Paid by Steve Douglas, Democrat, for Seminole County Dog Catcher

63 Independent Expenditures Disclaimer Paid political advertisement paid for by Joshua Speed, 123 Main St., Fern Park, FL independently of any candidate. This advertisement was not approved by any candidate.

64 Telephone Solicitation Organization making calls in support or opposition of a candidate MUST have a registered agent who is a resident of the state, including contact info. There are certain parameters that must be met (number of calls not to exceed 1,000, length must exceed two minutes, etc.) to avoid this provision. Any call requires prior written authorization from the candidate or ballot proposal sponsor. A copy of this authorization must be delivered to the qualifying officer.

65 Telephone Disclaimer Paid for by Dogs for Lincoln Paid for on behalf of Steve Douglas For Puppies Fan Club

66 A few advertising rules The words Re-Elect may only be used by incumbents running for the same office they currently hold Everything you use must have a disclaimer except for; Items designed to be worn Novelty items that have a value of $10 or less and aren t in opposition of a candidate

67 A few advertising rules Websites need to have the full advertising disclaimer. Social media sites should have a disclaimer where practicable: Campaign Facebook pages could have the disclaimer in the Info or About tabs, as it fits. Campaign Tweets need not have a disclaimer.

68 A few sample advertisements Billboard, non-incumbent: Political advertisement paid for and approved by Steve Douglas, Democrat, for Seminole County Dog Catcher

69 A few sample advertisements Billboard, incumbent: Political advertisement paid for and approved by Abraham Lincoln, Republican, for Seminole County Dog Catcher

70 Municipality Initial Fees Yard Signs Seminole County $176 Signs larger than 32 square feet Building Permit Removal Contact 14 days after campaign Building Division Altamonte Springs $125 Casselberry $0 Signs larger than 6 square feet Lake Mary $0 Signs larger than 6 square feet Longwood $400 Signs larger than 6 square feet Oviedo $0 Signs larger than 6 square feet Sanford $250 Signs larger than 32 square feet Winter Springs $0 Signs larger than 6 square feet 7 days after campaign 14 days after campaign 90 days after permitted 7 days after campaign 10 days after campaign 7 days after campaign 3 days after campaign Building Department Community Development x1108 Community Development City Clerk Planning and Development Building Department Building Department

71 Signs are allowed in the front or rear yards of homeowners who have given you permission Yard Signs

72 Yard Signs Signs are NOT allowed in the public right-of-way!

73 Yard Signs Signs are NOT allowed on telephone poles!

74 Do NOT steal yard signs

75 Signs at Polling Locations Many of our polling locations (and all of our early voting centers) have policies against unaccompanied signs being placed on their property on Election Day. We will advise you before the election of which locations allow unaccompanied signs. No signs are permitted within 100 feet of the entrance to any polling locations Campaigns can always have staff or volunteers holding a sign at a polling location, as long as it is outside the 100 foot Campaign-Free Zone.

76 Signs at Polling Locations What s the difference between a sign being held vs. a sign in the ground? Sign being held (accompanied) Sign not being held (unaccompanied)

77 Signs at Polling Locations 100 Feet 100 Feet

78 Signs at Polling Locations 100 Feet 100 Feet Candidate

79 Mail Ballot Requests All requests must be made in writing, online, on the phone or in person. With the following information: Elector s name, address, and date of birth; Requestor s name, address, driver s license number, relationship to the elector (only immediate family), signature. All requests must be received at least six days prior to the election. Mail ballots are the first ballots counted in every election. DO NOT HARVEST MAIL BALLOT REQUEST FORMS!!!!!!!

80 Early Voting Centers Seminole County has historically had more early voting centers per square mile than any other county in the southeastern United States! --Jean Rhein Central Branch Library, 215 N. Oxford Rd., Casselberry (fast lines) --Old Longwood Elementary School, 840 Orange Ave., Longwood (shortest lines) --Northwest Branch Library, 580 Greenway Blvd., Lake Mary (faster lines) --West Branch Library, 245 N. Hunt Club Blvd., Longwood (faster lines) --Oviedo Aquatic Facility, 148 Oviedo Boulevard, Oviedo (faster lines) --North Branch Library, 150 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford (faster lines) --East Branch Library, 310 Division St., Oviedo (faster lines) --Elections Office, 1500 E. Airport Blvd., Sanford (faster lines)

81 Election Day The no solicitation zone has been increased to 100 feet from the polling place door. This also applies to early voting centers. Rules relating to signs are also in effect on Election Day. Pollwatcher designations must be provided to our office two weeks prior to election day, or the beginning of early voting. Our office is open on Election Day at VOTE If you have any questions, call my cell at

82 Prohibited Activities Knowingly soliciting/accepting contributions in government-owned buildings Making willful and malicious statements about opponents Paying to speak at political meetings Using government vehicles to further candidacy Use the services of any government employee during their working hours

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84 Campaign treasurers: If you d like, we ll have a review of the online portal after the break