{"id":430712,"date":"2026-10-17T20:24:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T20:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/430712\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T20:24:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T20:24:21","slug":"2026-voters-guide-orange-county-clerk-of-courts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/430712\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Voter\u2019s Guide &#8211; Orange County Clerk of Courts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the <a href=\"https:\/\/newscollabcfl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/newscollabcfl.org\/\">News Collaborative of Central Florida<\/a> to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter\u2019s Guide. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Tuesday, Nov. 3 is the general election, where all registered voters will choose Florida\u2019s next governor, along with a U.S. Senator, statewide cabinet members, U.S. House representatives, Florida state legislators, and various county and city officials. Voters will also decide on three statewide constitutional amendments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">[ELECTION 2026: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/2026\/01\/07\/how-to-make-sure-you-are-eligible-to-vote-in-florida-for-the-2026-elections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/2026\/01\/07\/how-to-make-sure-you-are-eligible-to-vote-in-florida-for-the-2026-elections\/\">Make sure you\u2019re eligible to vote<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/2026\/01\/26\/planning-to-vote-by-mail-in-the-2026-florida-elections-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/2026\/01\/26\/planning-to-vote-by-mail-in-the-2026-florida-elections-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/\">How to vote by mail<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/2026\/02\/19\/39-florida-election-myths-and-misinformation-debunked\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/2026\/02\/19\/39-florida-election-myths-and-misinformation-debunked\/\">Election Myths<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Everything you need to know in order to vote in the November election, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.clickorlando.com\/election-2026\/\">our Election 2026 section HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Orange County Clerk of Courts<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">The clerk of courts is the keeper of court records in Orange County. They also handle all court-related fines and fees, handle passport applications, and issue marriage licenses. The current clerk of courts, Tiffany Moore Russell, is leaving to run for Orange County mayor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities. <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County Clerk of Courts race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orlandosentinel.com\/2026\/10\/12\/central-florida-voter-guide-november-general-election-races-and-candidates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.orlandosentinel.com\/2026\/10\/12\/central-florida-voter-guide-november-general-election-races-and-candidates\/\">You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Roberta Walton Johnson &#8211; Democrat<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">WEBSITE: <a href=\"https:\/\/voteroberta.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/voteroberta.com\/\">voteroberta.com\/<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Expanding Access to Justice. Every resident deserves equal access to the courts, regardless of income or whether they have an attorney. As Clerk, I will continue expanding customer-focused services, improving court navigation resources, and ensuring residents can access the information and assistance they need with dignity, professionalism, and respect.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Modernizing Services and Technology. Orange County continues to grow, and the Clerk\u2019s Office must keep pace. I will champion technology improvements that make services more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly while reducing wait times, streamlining processes, and improving online access to court services and information.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE  and how you plan to address it: Protecting Public Records and Public Trust. Residents deserve confidence that their court records are secure, accurate, and managed responsibly. As Clerk, I will protect the integrity of public records, ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and uphold the transparency and accountability that Orange County residents expect from their government.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have dedicated my career to serving others and helping residents navigate some of the most important moments in their lives. From representing underserved families through legal services, to serving in local government, nonprofit leadership, private practice, and more than a decade in leadership within the Clerk\u2019s Office, my work has always been focused on ensuring government is more accessible, responsive, and accountable. As General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk\u2019s Office, I work every day on the legal, operational, and policy issues that impact our courts and the public we serve. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the Clerk\u2019s responsibilities and how this office can better serve our community. I am ready to lead on day one and continue building a Clerk\u2019s Office that residents can trust to deliver professional, efficient, and transparent service.<\/p>\n<p>Terrell Thomas &#8211; No Party Affiliate<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">WEBSITE: <a href=\"https:\/\/thomasforclerk.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/thomasforclerk.com\/\">thomasforclerk.com\/<\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\"> Building a stronger workplace culture. The Clerk\u2019s Office is only as strong as the people who serve our community. I will invest in employee development, leadership training, recognition, and open communication to create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to provide exceptional public service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: <\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Expanding access to Clerk services. Every resident should have convenient access to Clerk services. I will introduce mobile community services that bring the Clerk\u2019s Office directly into our neighborhoods while strengthening outreach, improving customer service, and working with community partners to better serve Orange County.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Modernizing technology and operations. A Future-Ready Clerk\u2019s Office embraces innovation while staying focused on exceptional public service. I will modernize technology, enhance online services through a more user-friendly website, optimize the case management system to improve efficiency, performance and data flow, strengthen cybersecurity, and expand mobile and digital service options. By leveraging smart, data-driven solutions, we will deliver government services that are more accessible, transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">Why do you deserve to be elected in this race?<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-dLMFU sc-fHjqPf jbiTJv kYFPaL article-text\">I have dedicated nearly 30 years to serving Florida\u2019s court system, beginning with my career with the Orange County Clerk\u2019s Office and later helping courts across the country improve operations through technology and innovation. I understand the Clerk\u2019s constitutional responsibilities, value its proud tradition of public service, and have the experience and vision to lead the office forward. My commitment through my vision Clerk Forward, is to build a Clerk\u2019s Office that is People First, Community Focused, and Future Ready.<\/p>\n<p>Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando &#8211; All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":430713,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[8184,139,141,140,146022],"class_list":["post-430712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-election-2026","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news","tag-voters-guide"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/430712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=430712"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/430712\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/430713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=430712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=430712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=430712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}