Palm Bay Announces 2024 Municipal Primary Election: Get Ready to Vote! 🗳️
Following a recent notice from the City of Palm Bay, residents are gearing up for a significant election season in 2024.
Palm Bay, FL - The City has officially announced the date for the Municipal Primary Election, marking the first step for residents to exercise their civic duty and shape the future of their community. This primary election will be followed by a general election in November, and a special election to fill a vacant City Council seat.
Primary Election: August 20th - Choosing the Candidates for the General Election
The Municipal Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This election will determine which 2 candidates for each race will advance to the general election in November for the following crucial positions:
One (1) Mayor - Currently held by Rob Medina.
Two (2) City Council Members:
Seat 2 - Currently held by Donny Felix.
Seat 4 - Currently held by Randy Foster.
Each of the current elected officials are seeking reelection for their respective seats.
The newly elected officials will play a vital role in shaping Palm Bay's future, serving a four-year term from November 2024 to November 2028. They will be responsible for making decisions on critical city matters such as policies, development projects, and community initiatives.
Candidate Qualifying Period: Individuals aspiring to serve the Palm Bay community in these leadership roles should take note of the qualifying period, which begins on Monday, June 10, 2024, at noon and concludes on Friday, June 14, 2024, at noon. During this time, potential candidates can formally declare their candidacy and fulfill the necessary requirements to appear on the primary election ballot.
Make Your Vote Count: Voting Options and Important Dates for the Primary Election
Palm Bay offers various convenient ways for residents to cast their votes and participate in the democratic process.
Vote by Mail:
Military and overseas voters: Ballots will be mailed out by July 5, 2024.
Domestic voters: Ballots will be mailed out by July 18, 2024.
Early Voting: Prefer to vote early? The early voting period will run from August 10th to August 17th, 2024.
Election Day Voting: Of course, you can always vote in person on Election Day, August 20th, 2024. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Special Election for City Council Seat 5: Filling the Vacancy for the Remainder of the Term
In addition to the regularly scheduled elections, Palm Bay will also hold a special election to fill the vacancy in City Council Seat 5. This seat was previously held by Peter Filiberto, who resigned earlier this year. The special election will coincide with the general election on November 5, 2024, and will determine who will fill the seat for the remaining two years of the term.
Why a Special Election? The City Charter mandates a special election when the City Council is unable to appoint a replacement within 60 days of a vacancy. In this case, the Council was unable to reach a majority decision on a replacement for Seat 5, triggering the need for a special election. The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the original term, which ends in 2026, rather than a full four-year term.
General and Special Elections: Key Dates to Remember
Mail-in Ballots: Domestic mail-in ballots for both the general and special elections will be sent out by October 3, 2024.
Early Voting: For those who prefer to vote early, the early voting period for the general and special elections will run from October 21st to November 2nd, 2024.
Election Day: Mark your calendars for November 5th, 2024! Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM for both the general and special elections.
Stay Informed and Engaged: Your Vote Shapes Palm Bay's Future!
The Palm Bayer is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of all upcoming elections, including candidate profiles, key issues, and election results. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach these important civic events!
Remember, your vote is your voice, and it matters! Make sure you are registered to vote and participate in shaping the future of Palm Bay.
For more information on Palm Bay news and events, visit The Palm Bayer.
And if I remember correctly, it is because of the mayor we still have a vacancy because you know God told him not to attend the council meetings. Sherk your duties much?