St. Johns County elections official urges voters to prepare for Aug. 18 primary

Vicki Oakes, St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections, urged registered voters to make a voting plan ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, listing key deadlines and options for casting a ballot. "The August 18 primary election is almost here," she said.

Oakes told listeners that "any registered voter can request a ballot and vote by mail" and explained how to request one: call the elections office or use the online tools on the office website. She said the deadline to request a primary mail ballot is Aug. 6.

Early voting will be conducted from Aug. 8 through Aug. 15 at seven locations throughout St. Johns County, Oakes said, adding that her "favorite part about voting early is there's no wrong place to go." On Election Day, Aug. 18, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The office is mailing every registered voter in St. Johns County a sample ballot. Voters can also visit the elections website and use the My Voter Status tool to look up their sample ballot, Oakes said.

Oakes emphasized the importance of the primary: "Some of our local officials will be elected in the primary and the races will not move on to the general election." She closed by reminding residents that her staff are available to help and to call the office or visit the website for assistance.

The office's recorded announcement encourages voters to act before the Aug. 6 mail-ballot request deadline and notes that early voting and Election Day provide additional options to cast a ballot.