Commission adopts election returns and agrees to keep early voting; two low-turnout precincts to be consolidated for runoff

The City Commission adopted Resolution 25-R78 accepting returns of the Nov. 4, 2025 primary special election as provided by the Saint Lucie County Supervisor of Elections.

Clerk and staff read the vote totals into the record: Don Benton 761 total votes; Kristadovsky 1,035 total votes; and Jamie Beth Galinis 9,796 total votes (figures read as presented during the meeting). Commissioners thanked the canvassing board and the supervisor of elections for administering the election and noted that turnout was low—roughly 20 percent, as one commissioner observed.

Commissioners discussed whether to proceed with early voting for the upcoming runoff. Supervisor Gertrude Walker urged keeping the same early-voting format to avoid disenfranchising voters who rely on the option. Commissioners reached consensus to maintain the early-voting period as previously scheduled.

Walker also recommended temporarily consolidating two precincts for the runoff where turnout in the primary had been minimal: Precinct 60 (37 registered voters, one vote cast in the primary) and another small precinct of about 78 registered voters (two to four votes cast). Walker said the city would notify affected voters by letter, post signs at the closed locations directing voters to the alternate polling sites, and file the change in the form of a resolution at a future meeting. Commissioners instructed staff to prepare the resolution and public notice.

The commission’s adoption of the resolution and consensus on early voting and precinct consolidation were recorded without recorded opposition.