Nothing personal, I just don't sign

Happy Tuesday! It’s the middle of February, and you know what that means?

The Primary is just six months away. 

So, with little else to grab my attention this week, we’re going to talk some about the ins and outs of Citrus County politicking. To wit:

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— First up it’s considered a mid-level election year because the headliner is the Governor and not the President. The difference in voter turnout in Citrus County is significant. The last two presidential elections topped 80% in voter turnout. In the last two gubernatorial elections, turnout was about 65%.

The ballot is loaded with state races: Governor, CFO, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Attorney General. Also, State Representative District 23, which covers all Citrus and the Dunnellon area of Marion County.

Locally, two County Commission and three School Board seats are the main attraction. We’ll also elect two members of the Mosquito Control Board, one member of the Citrus County Community Charitable Foundation and, for our Homosassa friends, two members of the Special District water board.

Inverness has quite the city election: Mayor and three Council seats. Crystal River, its Mayor and one Council seat. So, plenty of municipal election excitement.

— FYI, unopposed candidates are automatically re-elected. They’re also the happiest people on the planet not to spend the summer campaigning.

— Primary vs. Election. This is a Republican county. I can’t recall the last time a non-Republican was elected to a partisan countywide office. In most circumstances the Primary is the real Election Day around here. The Primary is where it’s at for local races. 

— Also want to mention the districts. This can be confusing, so if you’re new to Florida politics, listen up. County Commission and School Board districts are NOT the same as legislative districts.

When we think of districts in the voting sense, usually that means voting for a singular member of the Legislature or Congress. HD 23 is for Citrus County and Dunnellon. We don’t vote in District 24.

Doesn't work that way locally. Districts are meant to provide a geographical balance on the County Commission and School Board level, but they play no role for voters. Office-holders are elected countywide, regardless of the district. This year, that’s County Commission, District 2 and 4; School Board, Districts 1, 3, and 5.

— Two ways for a candidate to get on the ballot: petition signatures or pay a qualifying fee. The fee isn’t cheap, so most go the petition card route. Not only is that smart financially, it’s also a great way for candidates to interact with citizens. 

Now. I do not sign these cards. Never have. It comes from a longstanding newspaper reporter practice of not getting too close to candidates. I never wanted my name to end up on someone’s campaign folder.

While I’m now citizen Mike and can do as I please, I still shy away from signing cards. As I climb the age ladder, I realize that some people just shouldn’t even be on the ballot. No kidding. Getting on the ballot is like making the playoffs. Anything can happen. Rather than say no to an individual, I still uphold the no-sign practice.

(Think that’s extreme? I met a St. Pete Times reporter years ago who didn’t vote. He said it was a conflict of interest to write about candidates and then select one for office. I slowly backed away.)

That’s not to say I will never sign a petition card. Someone comes along and sweeps me off my feet, we’ll see. I have yet to meet that candidate.

By the way, in case you're wondering, I made sure it was OK to print a copy of a petition card. Candidates need the real thing.

— The process: pre-qualifying and qualifying. Pre-qualifying happens now. That’s for candidates who open campaign accounts, allowing them to collect and spend money on campaigns. It doesn’t lock them into the ballot.

Qualifying occurs during a specific week: April 20-24 is for U.S. Senator and Circuit Court Judges; June 8-12 is for everybody else. Lots of paperwork to sign and personal finances to disclose.

Well, that was quite the civics lesson. As always, check the Supervisor of Elections website because that’s where you’ll find the financial reports. 

Very exciting campaign season on tap. The Primary will be here before we know it.

Have an exceptional Tuesday, friends.

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