Oakes excited about Presidential Election

Today is the day that Americans peacefully overthrow the government as they make their way to their established polling precinct and enter the holy of holies, the sanctum sanctorum, where everyone in the country is on the level — the voting booth.

With 49% of registered St Johns County voters having already cast their ballot during early voting or by mail, today’s election promises to represent a record-breaking turnout; having already set some single-day records.

“The red absentee ballot-boxes are still out, and will not be collected until 4:00 p.m. at the Agricultural Center, 5:00 p.m. at all other locations; except at the Elections Office, which will be open until 7:00 p.m.,” Supervisor Vicky Oakes told Historic City News this morning. “Go directly to your precinct to vote today before 7:00 p.m., or vote an absentee ballot at the Elections Office until 7:00 p.m. — but, please vote in the election.”

We caught up with Oakes as she made her way from precinct to precinct before she convenes the canvassing board at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. The rest of her day will be progressively busy — but, maybe not as hectic as in past years; thanks to the large number of ballots Oakes was able to garner before Election Day.

This is the first Presidential Election for Oakes since her appointment to fill the unexpired term of former Supervisor of Elections, Penny Halyburton — however, no butterflies for Oakes. She has served for 23 years as the Assistant Supervisor of Elections in St Johns County.

Oakes won election to her position for the next four years after Todd Thompson dropped out of the race, leaving her unopposed. All other constitutional officers were re-elected without opposition; another record for as long as data is available — estimated to be at least 100 years.