CLAY COUNTY – As Keystone Heights and Orange Park residents prepare to vote during Municipal Super Tuesday on April 11, several county constitutional officers are already looking toward the 2024 General Election.

Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless, County Tax Appraiser Tracy Drake and Clerk of Court and Comptroller Tara Green all have announced their intentions to seek re-election.

Sheriff, tax collector, superintendent, three county commission seats and two school board spots will also be on the ballot. Candidates for those seats still have until June 2024 to qualify.

Chambless decided to announce early since his office will be busy planning for the General Election next year.

“My duties and responsibilities require my full attention, which is why I have filed early for re-election as your Supervisor of Elections,” he posted. “If you believe, like I do, that Clay County is best served by a fiscal conservative who fiercely upholds the Florida election code with a proven track record of accurate, transparent elections versus the lawlessness and numerous problems found in some jurisdictions.”

Drake announced because he wants to concentrate on Florida’s ever-changing property tax laws.

“I have worked for the Clay County Property Appraiser’s Office for 30 years and understand that the effective administration of a mass appraisal office requires specialized education, training and management,” he said. “Florida’s property tax system has become increasingly complex and confusing to taxpayers. I will utilize my extensive experience and credentials to lead the office in a fiscally conservative, bipartisan manner while providing excellent service to all Clay County citizens.”

Green offered a simple reason to announce early: “I love what I do and want to keep doing it. I work with some amazing people, and we still have things to get done.”

Voters in Keystone Heights will vote by mail, Chambless said, because Nina Rodenroth is running unopposed for Seat 4 after Mayor Karen Lake termed out.

While there are no candidates on the ballot, voters still will be asked to decide on four charter amendments to the city charter.

The first would amend the charter to allow a majority of the city council to set the maximum purchasing amount for bids. The second would prohibit city council members from interfering with routine operations by the city manager. The third would change the way the mayor’s role is determined. Currently, residents vote for four people on the council and the mayor, but the amendment would change it to the election of five city council members, with the council selecting who would serve as mayor. The fourth would create a procedure in the city charter to censure or reprimand a council member for illegal or serious violations of city policy.

In Orange Park, voters can vote by mail, in person or early, where Doug Bennefiled and Kenny Radwanski are vying for Seat 1 on the Town Council. Susan Sandlin is unopposed for Seat 2. The only poll that will be open is at Town Hall.