GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Thomas Smith’s sudden and unexpected resignation from the Green Cove Springs City Council two weeks ago prompted the city to set Sept. 23 for a special election to replace the Seat 4 position. 

Before that happens, candidates must complete paperwork to qualify for the election, according to Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless. 

The first step is to visit the clayelections.gov website and click on the Candidates and Committees tab, Chambless said. From there, select the Running for Office tab, then click on the 2025 Green Cove Springs Special Election Candidate Packet. 

“It says the dates for the book closing and what the fee is, and when qualifying, which is July 14-through-18, Monday through Friday, noon to noon,” Chambless said. “However, they can submit their prequalifying paperwork two weeks prior to June 30.” 

Chambless said the paperwork includes a checklist where a candidate must list their voter identification number, treasurer, statement of candidacy and candidate acknowledgement. 

Qualifying documents include a Candidate Oath, statement of financial interests, a qualifying fee of $360, a notice of receipt of time and location of the Logic and Accuracy Test, and a notarized copy of the Residency Oath. 

Candidates are permitted to accept donations for their campaign, but they must be reported during one of the seven required reporting periods set by the election office. 

A city council member makes $6,000. In addition to two monthly meetings, council members also set the city’s budget, and are responsible for running the city’s electric and water departments. 

“You would want to do candidate things until you qualify once you qualify it sets the field whether it's going to be one candidate or more than one candidate,” Chambless said. 

Voters can vote by mail or in person at City Hall on Sept. 23. Green Cove Springs does not offer early voting for the special election. 

Smith’s expanding work requirements led to his resignation from the council. Other council members selected him to serve as the mayor a month before his departure. 

Matt Johnson was selected as the new mayor, while Ed Gaw will continue as vice mayor. 

The city council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at City Hall. The council is expected to consider the second and final reading of a proposed ordinance that will increase electric rates, starting with an immediate bump of 12%, followed by no increases in 2026, a 6% increase in 2027, 7% in 2028 and 3% increases from 2029 to 2032.