VOTERS

Black voters have been a steady foundation for Democratic candidates for decades, but that support appeared to show a few cracks in this year’s elections.

Faith leaders from across Florida held a virtual press conference Friday to discuss concerns about voter intimidation tactics and violence as voters make their way to the polls.

The sheriff in metropolitan Phoenix says he’s stepped up security around ballot drop boxes after a series of incidents involving people keeping watch on the boxes and taking video of voters after they were apparently inspired by lies about the 2020 election.

Clay county voters will have the opportunity to vote on whether a property tax hike should remain in effect for another 4 years. This is the property tax increase passed by voters in 2018 to secure schools. Much of that money went to starting up a school district police force.

All Clay County voters will be asked to vote yes or no on whether or not to continue a property tax already in place in the county.

Alachua County voters will be asked in November to vote up or down a one-cent sales tax to fund “Wild Spaces and Public Places.” If approved by a majority of voters, the tax would replace a similar half-cent taxes tax used to fund road repairs, park renovations, affordable housing and additional fire stations for the county.

Voters could soon start seeing another political party on ballots across the country.

Next month, Clay County voters will head to the polls to vote for its school board.

There’s a new push to change how mail-in voting works in Florida that would increase the number of envelopes voters would get and need to mail back.

A rally in Jacksonville on Wednesday had this message for Gov. Ron DeSantis: “Black voters matter! Black voters matter! Black voters matter!”

The doughnut chain announced on Tuesday that it will give visitors the iconic “I Voted” sticker, as well as a free doughnut, in honor of Election Day on November 3. “If you’re out and about on Election Day, we want to thank you by giving you a free Original Glazed doughnut,” Krispy Kreme Chief Marketing Officer Dave Skena said. “And if you didn’t get your ‘I Voted’ sticker because you voted before election day, we’ve got you covered there too.”Need some free coffee to go alongside that free doughnut? Bold Bean is handing out free cups of coffee -- paid for by Farah & Farah -- at all Bold Bean locations. RELATED: Bold Bean offering free coffee for voters on Nov. 3

Though Louisiana won’t be handing out “I Voted” stickers at the polls this year, we can’t help but highlight its award-winning design. Clark County, NevadaPersonifying Las Vegas in a creative sticker, Clark County takes into account the familiar details that make its area known in its 'I Voted' sticker. Alaska Division of ElectionsAlaska has various options of its 'I Voted' sticker for 2020 elections and they each pay homage to women and its native communities. Alaska redesigned its “I Voted” sticker in time to celebrate the 19th Amendment’s centennial. The artwork takes a twist from traditional “I Voted" sticker designs with a call to action instead, asking anyone reading to go out and vote.

Florida law requires Florida Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges to be placed on the ballot in nonpartisan elections every six years so voters can determine whether they should remain on their courts for another six-year term. These are called “merit retention” elections. This year, one Supreme Court justice and 24 appeals court judges will be on the ballot, including five in the First District -- which includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Nassau, Okaloosa, and Union counties, -- and the Fifth District -- which covers Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties. Florida District Courts of Appeal mapVoters are being asked whether or not to retain:Justice of the Supreme CourtCarlos G. MunizFirst District Court of AppealJoseph Lewis Jr. | Scott Makar | Rachel Nordby | Tim Osterhaus | Clay Roberts | Adam S. TanenbaumFifth District Court of AppealKerry I. Evander | Jamie Grosshans | John M. Harris | Richard B. Orfinger | Meredith Sasso | F. Rand WallisThese jurists don’t campaign for retention, but biographical information about them is compiled by The Florida Bar.

Voters impressed by the safety and precautions during the pandemic. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

Baker County voters will select a clerk of court race on their ballot (see below), along with contested races for the 5th Congressional District, Florida Senate District 5, Florida House District 10, judicial retention and six proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. Clerk of CourtsIncumbent Democrat Stacie Harvey faces Republican challenger Robert Fred Gray in the general election. Preview the Baker County sample ballot | Lookup or change your voting status, request a sample ballot and find other information by visiting bakerelections.com.

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Voters in Fernandina Beach went to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballot in the runoff race for a seat on the Fernandina Beach City Commission. Ronald "Chip" Ross won the Group 3 seat on the City Commission with 1,396 votes, or 54.96 percent. Voter turnout in the runoff election was 24.04 percent. Of the city's 10,568 registered voters, 2,541 cast ballots. Click here to view the complete election results.