Local Election Run-Offs

[wrobert]

Have "the people from the south" ever been really studied to see who really lives here and are voting? I also have a feeling that many people that live south of the bay moved here later in life from bigger metro areas (ie retired) and are all about kicking back and no worries.....comparing us to the north is pointless in every way since there is a different demographic going on. I am also wondering how many people move here from bigger metro areas and get the giggles during our local elections-

You bring up a point that may really be the underlying problem. A manager of a large community made the comment that he was going to be very busy because all of his residents were coming in prior to last Tuesday to vote. With TS Fay hitting the area, it appears that many passed on voting and just did not show up. From what I remember working absentee ballots two years ago, I am starting to come to the conclusion that the amount of dual registrations, where one spouse uses this area as a homestead and the other uses a house north of here, is probably much more prevalent that anyone realizes. When you think about it, the State of Florida does provide quite a large monetary incentive for people to do this with "Save Our Homes". And we see quite a bit of this actually happening locally with people who have more than one home within the county. So why is it so far-fetched that there may not be as many real south Walton residents as census figures indicate. Looking at the size of the BCC districts and you would think that the BCC 5 commissioner would be way more busier than the others based on population numbers. If those people really lived here and had the normal day to day problems that everyone else seems to have.

But that would require some serious work on behalf of county officials to find these individuals and to get them classified correctly. I just do not see that happening anytime soon.

 

[seagrovegirl]

Unbelievable amount of folks who have homesteaded their vacation property to take advantage of the property tax reduction. The candidates that I chose had the advantage of the people I know from out of town asking me who to vote for!!

 

[Jdarg]

You bring up a point that may really be the underlying problem. A manager of a large community made the comment that he was going to be very busy because all of his residents were coming in prior to last Tuesday to vote. With TS Fay hitting the area, it appears that many passed on voting and just did not show up. From what I remember working absentee ballots two years ago, I am starting to come to the conclusion that the amount of dual registrations, where one spouse uses this area as a homestead and the other uses a house north of here, is probably much more prevalent that anyone realizes. When you think about it, the State of Florida does provide quite a large monetary incentive for people to do this with "Save Our Homes". And we see quite a bit of this actually happening locally with people who have more than one home within the county. So why is it so far-fetched that there may not be as many real south Walton residents as census figures indicate. Looking at the size of the BCC districts and you would think that the BCC 5 commissioner would be way more busier than the others based on population numbers. If those people really lived here and had the normal day to day problems that everyone else seems to have.

But that would require some serious work on behalf of county officials to find these individuals and to get them classified correctly. I just do not see that happening anytime soon.

When I hear "the south did not turn out to vote", the inflated numbers of actual residents is what immediately comes to mind. I just get so tired of this particular comment.:roll:

 

[Miss Kitty]

Unbelievable amount of folks who have homesteaded their vacation property to take advantage of the property tax reduction. The candidates that I chose had the advantage of the people I know from out of town asking me who to vote for!!

Oh. Lord...another loophole I think I misssed! Would it be legal for me to claim my sowal property as my homestead, while Mr. K claimes Dallas as his? Or do people claim homestead as a couple? I am guessing people that own dual properties in different states can make a choice and do so depending on the tax and insurance implications. One more...to homestead, is on of the requirements living in said home a certain amount of time?

People amaze me at how they beat the system. Sorry I hijacked.

 

[seagrovegirl]

Husband and wife do not have to claim the same household...only according to the IRS....I think.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Husband and wife do not have to claim the same household...only according to the IRS....I think.

...this could work in my favor! 6 months a year, right?

 

[mossyhead]

We can do single member districts, but remember, that is a county wide election, and since the people in the south tend to stay home........

This is true, but it would still be their choice not that of the voters of the north, likewise the districts south of the bay would not decide for those of us in the north county. We all have different needs. Does anyone know how the turnout is from the south end for the General Election?

If Charter government was looked at here it was prior to 1980 or my memory is totally shot. I do not recall us ever voting for or against a charter in this county.
__________________

Charter government was looked into a couple of times in the late 90's. Under Charter government the Commissioners appoint all of the local officials except the sheriff. They appoint Tax Collector, Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser. There are a lot of strings attached.

 

[DFSboy]

Got ya. We are back to the that premise. I do not want to be a member of your club but I want to help choose your candidate.

Right on, right on!!

 

[DFSboy]

I understand that. I don't understand why independents aren't allowed to vote for who they want on the ballot in Nov.
It just doesn't make sense to me.

So basically, we have no voice unless we're registered as a Republican or a Democrat? That' s the way it works?

sunspotbaby,

Sure you do. Where was your candidate(s) (Independent) running for office?

 

[sunspotbaby]

sunspotbaby,

Sure you do. Where was your candidate(s) (Independent) running for office?

:roll: