August primary voter registration ending soon

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Monday is voters’ last chance to register to vote for the August 20 primary election.

“Today is the deadline to register to vote for the August 20 primary election. If you would like to change your political party, you can do that today as well,” Bay County Supervisor of Elections Nina Ward said.

In-person registration was available until 5 p.m. Monday, and online registration closes at midnight.

“If you have a Florida driver’s license you can go on our website and you can register all the way up until midnight tonight,” Ward said.

Ward said there are races that will be decided on the August ballot, and everyone will be able to vote in at least one of those races.

“There are four local contests that will be decided in the August 20th primary election. The state’s attorney, the sheriff, there’s a county commission race and then also a school board race that will be decided,” Ward said.

Voters living in the 14th judicial circuit will be able to decide the state attorney’s races between incumbent Larry Basford and challenger Eric Garman. Both are running as Republicans, so everyone can vote.

In the Bay County sheriff’s race, incumbent Tommy Ford will face challenger Andy Husar. Again, both are running as Republicans, so everyone votes.

District 1 Bay County Commissioner Tommy Hamm will face Ron Keel and Daniel Raffield. All are running as Republicans, so everyone votes.

Everyone gets to cast a ballot in the non-partisan school board district 1 race between incumbent Jerry Register and challenger Whitney Nieves.

“It’s really important that you get out and get your voice heard. Make sure that your voices count.”

Ward recommends everyone to check their voter registration status and make sure your information is updated. That will reduce delays at the polls.

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