ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — More than 40,000 people have already cast their ballots as day three of early voting in St. Johns County wrapped up.
Early voting has accounted for about half the ballots cast so far, with mail-in voting the other chunk.
One well-known voter had a concern about that process, so First Coast News took it to the supervisor of elections to address.
“My husband has ALS and I had to help him with his ballot," said St. Johns County Commissioner Krista Joseph. "I got done helping him with it and went to mail it. As I got to the mailbox, someone said, ‘You need two stamps.’ There’s only one square on there.”
Joseph made sure to stick an extra stamp on her husband’s ballot to ensure it gets counted.
However, it got her thinking. If she didn’t know she had to do that, would most voters in St. Johns County take it into account?
“I just worry about out-of-state people or if you’re deployed," said Joseph.
Considering the size of the 2024 ballot with several lengthy amendments, First Coast News asked Supervisor of Elections Vicki Oakes.
Oakes says while two stamps are recommended, she’s instructed the post office to deliver all of the ballots regardless of postage, and the elections office will cover the difference.
Another St. Johns County voter asked First Coast News if they were still allowed to bring in voter guides, notes or sample ballots when they go to vote.
Oakes says that’s absolutely fine, in fact, that’s the reason they send sample ballots to begin with.
However, Joseph pointed out she never got her sample ballot.
“I’m used to getting a sample ballot," said Joseph. "Everybody is pretty much. Especially my daughter, or someone who has a disability to be able to take that information in there with them. We did not get that this year, and I’m kind of disappointed.”
Oakes confirmed Hurricane Milton coupled with Columbus Day caused a delay in the elections office sending out sample ballots, but they are enroute.
Hopefully folks will have them before they take on the long line at Ponte Vedra Beach library.
“I’m so proud of our community that they are participating, and it just warms my heart," said Joseph.
In Duval County, the supervisor of elections said the city council has set aside money to prepay the postage on all ballots since 2000, so no need to worry about the stamps in Duval.