The August 20 primary will close the book on the hotly-contested Republican side of the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections race, as Sherri Hodies and Margaret Romero will vie to face former State Rep. Ron Saunders, a Democrat, in November.
The Keys Weekly asked all three candidates the following questions. Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates.
1) All of the candidates running are new to this position. Do you have any specific concerns, factors you wish to investigate, or changes you wish to make in our local elections process?
2) If elected, what form of orientation and education do you plan to seek regarding Florida’s election laws, voting apparatus, requirements, etc.?
SHERRI HODIES
Republican
- If it is not broke, why break it? If it needs broke, I can do it! But, we must follow the state election laws! I will get current associates together to utilize their knowledge on improvements. They are the experts! Evaluate voter rolls to ensure we have the cleanest voter rolls in the state. Walking door to door, meeting voters, I am hearing of potential issues. Choosing best accommodations for all voters, especially disabled, elderly, military and veterans. Per state law, we must use ballot machines, I will investigate and choose the right machine for Monroe County.
- I have already read and understand the Florida Division of Elections, Supervisor of Elections Handbook. I will immediately join the Florida Supervisor of Elections, a professional membership organization, where they specialize in election education, laws, voting machines and requirements. They also offer certification programs up to a Masters level in Election Administration. I will enroll in the Florida Institute of Government Ethics for Supervisor of Election training. In addition, I will begin my Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) certification. This is a professional education program focusing on an array of election subjects; specializing in voter registration.
MARGARET ROMERO
Republican
1. My concern is to maintain the integrity of the elections office with impartiality, accuracy, and adherence to all election rules, laws, and guidelines. Anything that seems awry, questionable, or problematic will be looked into for actual facts and details. Such “investigations” will result in answers, ways to resolve, potential solutions, and required actions taken. Other county departments and agencies will be asked to assist as necessary, as well as outside local and state officials. The laws are the laws to be followed by all. Things have to be fair and secure for ALL.
2. If elected, I will ask to shadow Joyce and team until sworn into office in January. I will take the new Supervisors courses and continuing education as available. In the past 4 years, I researched the elections process as a citizen voter. Now it will be at a higher level. I will reach out to Joyce and others for their insight and experiential knowledge. I will communicate with the Division of Elections and the Bureaus of Election Records, Voter Registration Services, and Voting Systems Certification for matters requiring clarification, and our county legal team.
RON SAUNDERS
Democrat
1. I am the only candidate running for Supervisor of Elections who has been employed by that office. I volunteered to work in the 2022 Primary and General Elections. I attended training sessions, assisted with early voting and vote by mail, and worked at a poll on both election days. After working closely with the office, I don’t have any specific concerns or changes to be made at this time.
2. Just as I did when I served the Keys in the Florida Legislature, I will speak to as many civic groups and government bodies as possible to educate voters on election laws and procedures.
