 | Primary Election is August 18, 2026
Did you know that the average voter turnout in a Primary Election is only around 25% of registered voters? Important races like School Board and Judges show up on every ballot whether you are registered as a Republican, Democrat or NPA. In St. Johns County, the Board of County Commissioner race will also show up on every ballot as it is a Universal Primary Contest. Voters who don't show up in the Primary Election will miss out on the chance to vote for these races. Tell 5 friends and family to check out vote411.org for lots of useful election information including responses to questions from candidates. Share our posts on social media.
Have you received your vote-by-mail ballot for the Primary Election? Your vote-by-mail ballot must be received by your Supervisor of Elections Office by 7:00pm on Election Day. Drop it off at an Early Voting site or mail it back as soon as possible.
Are you planning on voting at an Early Voting location? Early voting starts in Nassau on August 6th, Duval on August 7th, and in Clay and St. Johns on August 8th. One ask is that Duval voters consider early voting at the Dallas Graham Branch Library at 2304 Myrtle Avenue N or at the early voting site at Edward Waters University. A coalition of voting rights groups here in Duval have worked with the Supervisor to open these early voting sites and we'd love to see them get used by Duval Voters.
On Election Day you can only vote in your assigned precinct. Polls are open from 7am to 7pm.
Finally, the League is working with Common Cause to do election protection work during the Primary. If you see something at a polling location that doesn't seem right - call 866-OUR-VOTE.
See you at the polls.
Rhona |  |  |  |  | 8/8 National Day of Action - “Why I Vote” Postcarding Event
On April 17, 2025, the League of Women Voters declared a Constitutional Crisis, the first in the League’s 106 year history. In response to this crisis, the League launched its Unite & Rise 8.5 campaign, an initiative that aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters to participate in and defend our democracy. A key component of this campaign is the cultivation of genuine allied partnerships.This summer we are asking each local member to join us in this important work. Thus far we have asked you to help prepare our community by reaching out to friends, family and neighbors concerning their voter registrations. We also asked each member to help educate our community through shared information, resources and the LWV’s vote411.org election information website.
Last, we are asking each member to Participate in Unite & Rise 8.5, either independently, or through our August 8, 2026 LWV National Day of Action. This event commemorates the historic signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Please join us on Saturday, August 8th from 2 PM -4 PM in Fernandina Beach as we partner with Nassau Forward for a postcarding event entitled “Why I Vote.” Registration is limited.
|  | | On Zoom or in person registration is required. Register here! | Movies that Matter – August & September
Are you feeling down about the state of our politics? Want to be inspired by the stories of people who are pushing back? Come watch our next movie: "People vs. Politics", a 2026 documentary that profiles grassroots leaders around the country working to reform the U.S. election system. We can be inspired together.
The League knows that we can’t all be active like the people in this movie. But we CAN educate ourselves, contact our legislators, and vote. Democracy needs us to participate.
We have two dates:
Thursday, 8/27/26 at 6:00 pm
Southeast Branch Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.
Saturday, 9/5/26 at 1:00 pm
Orange Park (right off the I-295 exit for US17) The address will be provided to those who register.
Snacks will be provided at both events. If you would like to schedule this movie or another in your home or meeting place, please email lwvjfc.membership@gmail.com. |  | Voter Registration News
Why do you vote? In conjunction with Unite & Rise Day of Action this is the question we have been asking. Ask yourself, think about it, do you vote in every election? Leading up to the primary we have been trying to increase voter participation. Historically a little over 20% of voters vote in primary elections, 40% in midterms and 60% in presidential elections. Hopefully we will have a higher turnout than normal as people are concerned about our democracy.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel two events in July due to lack of volunteers, but we were able to give them Vote411 cards and Vote Rider cards to hand out. We have an active group of volunteers in St. John’s County setting up registration events, meeting with each other and taking initiative. Thank you!
We’ll be tabling at UNF two times a month leading up to November. August 19th and 26th are our first dates. To volunteer please LOGIN to YOUR LWVJAXFC Account, click on the members tab, drop down menu, click on volunteer, then you sign up.
Rhona gave an inspiring speech at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville this month. Thank you Rhona for representing our League so well. | A Summer Evening of History and Conversation
League members gathered in Orange Park on July 9 for a book discussion centered on Jon Meacham’s “American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union.” The evening blended thoughtful conversation with pizza, watermelon and good company. With the Fourth of July just behind us, the timing made our exploration of American history feel especially relevant.
One of the highlights was our 250th Anniversary Uncle Sam–style stovetop hat, which added a bit of fun to the evening as attendees took turns wearing it. The hat is available for any League member planning an event and looking to add a festive touch.
Our discussion covered both well‑known and lesser‑known moments in American history. Many attendees were surprised to learn about the attempted coup plot of 1934, one of several intriguing stories highlighted in Meacham’s work. The conversation sparked reflection, questions, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our nation’s past.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the evening both educational and enjoyable. |  | Forbidden Florida Reads
Izzy Miletic is a junior Economics and Literature student at Florida State University. She is a board member of the League of Women Voters of Tallahassee, where she began publishing Forbidden Florida Reads. Forbidden Florida Reads is Izzy’s original monthly column that highlights a book banned in at least one Florida school district. Izzy is passionate about books and educational policy making. She hopes to attend law school and earn her Masters in Library and Information Science.
| New Members - Welcome aboard!
Evie Brewer
Beverly Casey
Margarita Coll-Barth
Patrice Hughes
Pamela Ingram
Jean Julian
Margo Martin
Joanne Mattingly
Caitlin Murphy
Sally (Sarah) Perez
| Donations are always appreciated!
Our website lwvjaxfc.org offers an easy way to make donations to LWVJFC, even if you prefer to pay by check. Click on the red "Donate" button at the top of the Homepage. | | | | Local
Stay up-to-date on all local upcoming events on the LWV of Jacksonville / First Coast:
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The Regional Facebook Group, LWV Florida North Region Leagues, includes Alachua, Bay, Jacksonville/First Coast, Okaloosa & Walton, Pensacola Bay Area, and Tallahassee.
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Contact Us!
Phone: 904-355-8683
Email: LWVJAXFC@gmail.com
Postal Address:
League of Women Voters of Jacksonville First Coast
PO Box 350210
Jacksonville, FL 32235-9998 | | | | The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. | | |
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