Section 6(1)(c) of Chapter 2002-330, Laws of Florida, which is posted on the District’s website under “Enabling Legislation,” states that in order to qualify for office:

1. Each candidate for the office of district supervisor must be a qualified elector of the district; and
2. At the time of qualification, each candidate for a board of supervisors seat shall reside within the boundaries of an activated unit of the district and, if elected, shall maintain such residency throughout the term of office.

The first requirement is for a candidate to be a “qualified elector” of the District. Section 6(3)(c) of Chapter 2002-330, Laws of Florida, requires all candidates for a district supervisor’s seat to qualify with the County Supervisor of Elections in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Election Code and this act. Accordingly, Section 97.021(15), F.S., of the Florida Election Code defines an “elector” as generally synonymous with “voter” or “qualified elector or voter”. Section 6(3)(a) of Chapter 2002-330, Laws of Florida, defines “elector” as “[a]ny person who is a resident of an activated unit of development of the district who has qualified as an elector of this state and who registers in the manner prescribed by law.”

Since the Florida Election Code states that “elector” and “voter” are synonymous, it is necessary to determine the qualifications to register to vote. Section 97.041, F.S., sets forth such qualifications as follows:

A person may become a registered voter only if that person:

1. Is at least 18 years of age;
2. Is a citizen of the United States;
3. Is a legal resident of the State of Florida;
4. Is a legal resident of the county in which that person seeks to be registered; and
5. Registers pursuant to the Florida Election Code.

A registered voter cannot have been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting and not had his or her right to vote restored by law. Nor can a convicted felon who has not had his or her right to vote restored by law be registered to vote.

Therefore, in order to meet the first requirement of a “qualified elector,” a candidate must be a resident of an activated unit of development of the District, be qualified as an elector/voter by meeting the requirements set forth above in Section 97.041, F.S., and be registered in the manner prescribed by law.

The second requirement is for a candidate to be a resident of an activated unit of development of the District (already a requirement to be a “qualified elector), and, if elected, to maintain such residency throughout the term of office.

In conclusion, in order to meet the requirements to run for Supervisor of the District, a candidate must be a “qualified elector,” which means he or she must be a resident of an activated unit of development of the District (and maintain such residency throughout the term of office), have qualified as an elector (voter) of the state by meeting the requirements set forth above in Section 97.041, F.S., and have registered in the manner prescribed by law.

For information on how to sign up for an election contact the Supervisor of Elections www.pbcelections.org - you will find a lot of information on their website.

Supervisors are elected for 4-year terms.