Slow Start for Bay County Pivotal Elections in 2024

BAY COUNTY, FL - Bay County is gearing up for a series of crucial elections to be held throughout the year, with residents set to cast their votes in March, April, August, and November. These elections are expected to have a significant impact on the direction of the county, as well as the state and national political landscape.

The first election on the calendar is the Bay County Presidential Preference Primary, which will take place on March 19, 2024. This election will determine which candidates will represent the county in the Presidential Election later this year. As of the March 14, 2024 update, there are 69,662 eligible voters in Bay County, with an unofficial voter turnout of 6,770, resulting in a 9.72% turnout rate according to the Bay County Supervisor of Elections website. Early voting began on March 9th and goes through March 16th.

Following the Presidential Preference Primary, the county will hold the Municipal Election, a series of local elections in April, where residents will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates for various municipal offices. These elections will be closely watched, as the outcomes will have a direct impact on the governance and administration of Bay County.

 Callaway - Mayor, Commissioners Wards 3 and 4

 Lynn Haven - Non Election Year

 Mexico Beach - Council Member Groups 4 and 5

 Panama City - Non Election Year

 Panama City Beach - Mayor, Council Members Wards 2 and 4

 Parker Mayor - Non Election Year

 Springfield - Commissioners Wards 1 and 2

In August, the primary elections will be held, with voters having the chance to select their preferred candidates for state and national offices and county positions. This election is expected to be highly competitive, as candidates from both major political parties vie for their party's nominations.

• Clerk of Court

• County Commissioner Districts 1, 3, and 5

• County Judge Group 2

• Property Appraiser

• School Board Member Districts 1 and 4

• Sheriff

• Superintendent of Schools

• Supervisor of Elections

• Tax Collector

• Beach Mosquito Control District Seat 1, 2, and 3

• Lake Powell Community Development District Seat 1, 3, and 4

• Republican State Committee Man and State Committee Woman

The final election of the year will be the November general election, where the candidates selected in the previous elections will compete for the votes of Bay County residents. This election will determine the ultimate composition of the county's government and its representation at the state and national levels. As the election season heats up, political analysts will be closely monitoring the campaigns and debates, as well as the voter turnout rates, in an effort to predict the outcomes of these critical elections. Bay County residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the process, as their votes will play a vital role in shaping the future of their community and beyond.

For more information on the upcoming elections, including polling locations and early voting details, residents are urged to visit the Bay County Supervisor of Elections website at https://www.bayvotes.org/.