Matt Gaetz Resigned… Now What? How We Elect A New Representative:

With the resignation of Congressman Matt Gaetz, a special election is on the horizon for Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Paul Lux, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections, provided insights into the logistics and challenges of organizing such an election during a recent interview with Mid Bay News.

“We are anxiously awaiting that almighty election schedule,” Lux said, noting that the Governor of Florida, in coordination with the Secretary of State, will set the timeline. The schedule will include an abbreviated qualifying period for candidates, likely lasting only one to two days.

Candidates must prepare quickly. “People who want to run should be making preparations now,” Lux explained, urging prospective candidates to set up their paperwork and bank accounts. So far, the Florida Division of Elections has received filings from several hopefuls.

The process of organizing the election is logistically complex. Lux highlighted federal rules requiring that ballots for overseas military voters be mailed at least 45 days before the election. “If they were to compress the election schedule and not give us that ample time, they’re just asking for a nod on the head from the federal government,” he said, emphasizing that Florida, as a military-friendly state, is unlikely to infringe on such deadlines.

Another challenge involves resign-to-run laws, which require officeholders seeking federal positions to resign if their terms overlap with the office they are pursuing. “That resignation letter is irrevocable,” Lux clarified, explaining the ripple effect this could have in triggering additional special elections for vacated state-level seats.

Lux expects the primary election to occur in February 2025, followed by a general election in April, but stressed that final dates are pending. On a local level, Okaloosa County is bracing for three consecutive elections, including municipal races, due to the timing overlap. “We are going to be running three elections in three months,” Lux said.

For voters and candidates, keeping an eye on announcements from the Florida Division of Elections and local supervisors will be critical as the process unfolds.