This article was originally published by Spectrum News
By Jeff Van Sant
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Election offices across the state are working to update voters on Florida’s new congressional map.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law last week.
Still, some groups are fighting to stop it from moving forward before the midterm elections.
Meanwhile, as things play out in the courts, Pinellas County's Supervisor of Elections office is working to make sure voters have the most up to date information.
At the Supervisor of Elections call center, workers are fielding calls from voters who are trying to figure out what has changed after state lawmakers approved the new district maps.
Election officials said they have identified 116 precincts and approximately 274,000 voters in Pinellas County who will be affected in some way.
It’s a tall order for Deputy Supervisor of Elections Dustin Chase. He said voters need to understand the changes.
“I think voters are already confused,” Chase said. “There has been a lot of changes in a short amount of time. Our job is to make them feel good about the process.”
Chase said voter information cards will be sent out after the precinct realignment is complete. His office has asked the Board of County Commissioners for $505,000 to make this happen.
“Elections consistency is key, and we are here to provide them that consistency.” Chase said.
While there is already pending litigation against the new districts, they could be in place when voters head to the polls for August primaries and November midterms.
Heidi Davis, co-chair for Voter Services for the League of Women Voters of St. Pete, said outreach efforts are even more important to ensure voters know what they need to do.
“This is a perfect opportunity to get your vote by mail ballot or to do early voting,” Davis said. “Because in both of those scenarios, it doesn’t matter if your polling location has changed.”
Pinellas County election officials say voters should go to the county elections website to see if they are affected. That website is also a vital resource for information on candidates.
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