ORLANDO, Fla. — With new congressional districts now in place, supervisors of elections from Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties participated in a panel Wednesday to discuss this year’s elections and how the new map will affect voters.
Many voters may now be in different congressional districts, and election officials say they’re working to make sure everyone understands these changes so there are no surprises on Election Day.
“It puts more work on our plates in many ways. One is helping people be clear about where they are voting and who they are voting for, and that’s been a moving target for people,” said Kathy Schmitz, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Orange County.
Education is key, Schmitz said, including letting people know about the candidates and issues that will be on their ballots.
“We’ve seen some very close elections in Florida this year,” Schmitz said. “We know one vote can make a difference.”
Redistricting could change some voters’ options.
“Some of our voters will get a new congressional district, and they will definitely get a new voter information card with the new district numbers on it,” Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel said.
Orange County officials said they are moving forward with the map signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this week. If courts side with those challenging the map, officials said they will adjust and return to previous districts.
“With the new congressional redistricting, it shouldn’t change much, except for some people’s precincts and locations may change,” she said.
New voter information cards have already been sent to Orange County voters, Castor Dentel said.
In Seminole County, Supervisor of Elections Amy Pennock said its congressional district did not change, so voters there do not need new notifications.
Officials throughout the state are focused on making sure residents know about the changes to vote-by-mail.
Voters who cast ballots by mail in the last general election need to reapply if they plan to vote by mail again. The deadline to file that request is 5 p.m. Aug. 6, 12 days before the primary election.
“We have elections in August, Aug. 18. Make sure you have your vote-by-mail request done (by the deadline),” Pennock said.
Officials also discussed expanded early voting locations, noting the growing popularity of that option across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
For those who choose to vote in person, election officials said they have strong relationships with local sheriff’s offices to provide security for voters and poll workers.