Is Your Vote in Orange Park and Green Cove Springs More Crucial Than Ever? Discover the Shocking Stakes!

As Florida gears up for its high-profile 2026 elections, some Clay County voters will head to the polls this spring to elect local officials. On April 14, both the city of Green Cove Springs and the town of Orange Park will hold elections, marking what the Clay County Supervisor of Elections has dubbed “Municipal Super Tuesday.”

To participate, voters must reside within the respective city or town limits and ensure they are registered by March 16. For those opting for mail-in ballots, requests must be submitted by April 2 and can be made through the website ClayElections.gov.

Orange Park

In Orange Park, only one council seat is contested. Councilman Doug Benefield is running for re-election against Chuck Lindholm for Town Council Seat 1 in a nonpartisan election. Voters in Orange Park can cast their ballots at the Orange Park Town Hall, located at 2042 Park Ave, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It’s noteworthy that Susan Winnette Sandlin was up for re-election for Seat 2 but is running unopposed, meaning this race will not appear on the ballot.

Green Cove Springs

Meanwhile, Green Cove Springs voters will have a slightly more complex ballot. They will vote for City Council Seat 1, where Ed Gaw is seeking re-election against Tom Centracchio in another nonpartisan race. In addition to this contest, voters will also consider three proposed charter amendments that could impact the city’s governance.

• Charter Amendment 1: This amendment seeks to allow a notary public to administer the Oath of Office to a City Council Member, adding a flexibility currently not permitted under the existing charter, which only allows for judicial officers to do so.
• Charter Amendment 2: This proposal would enable the City Council to waive the requirement that the City Manager’s dwelling be within the City’s utility service area, potentially broadening the pool of qualified candidates for this important role.
• Charter Amendment 3: Similar to Amendment 2, this amendment would allow the City Council to waive the requirement for the City Attorney’s residence or office to be located within the city limits, again aiming to attract a wider range of legal expertise.

Voters in Green Cove Springs can cast their ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located at 321 Walnut St. It’s worth mentioning that Matt Johnson, the Seat 2 council member, is also running unopposed, so his race will not appear on the ballot.

As both towns prepare for their local elections, voters should consider the implications of their choices, not just for the immediate future but also for the governance and community services that affect their daily lives. With elections just around the corner, residents must ensure they are registered, informed, and ready to make their voices heard.