🗳️Vote Early! Starts Friday - Action Alert, August 3, 2026
Updated: Aug 2
Early Voting Starts Friday! New Beach Site
Early Voting for the August 18th Primary Election starts on Friday, August 7th! Twenty-four polling locations --- including the Beaches Library and a new site at the Jax Beach Community Center --- will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, August 16th. Registered voters can vote at any of these sites during Early Voting. Find information on voter ID requirements and how to vote here below the list of polling locations.
You can also drop off your Vote-by-Mail ballot at a secure drop box at any of these polling locations until the end of early voting. If you choose not to use your mail-in ballot, you can vote in person. Election Day is August 18th --- voters who wait until then must vote at their precinct, and the only drop-off location that day will be the Supervisor of Elections' (SOE) office at 105 E. Monroe Street, Jacksonville. A reminder that you can still request a mail-in ballot until Thursday, August 6th by phoning the SOE at 904-255-VOTE (8683).
What's On the Ballot?
DEMs and GOP voters will choose candidates to represent their parties in the November General Election. DEM races on the Beaches primary ballot include U.S. Senate, U.S. House District 5, Governor, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture. In addition, all voters, including Independents, will find three nonpartisan races on their ballots: School Board (Seat 2), County Court Judge (Group 1 & 13), and a special election to fill a vacancy on the Jax City Council (At-Large, Group 1 seat).
Need Help?
Find information on the primary election and candidates in BAM's online Election Guide. We've just added two resources to help you build your ballot: the Blue Voter Guide, and Vote 411. You'll find info on candidate endorsements, issues, and how to get involved with Hands Off Our Vote, Indivisible's national voter protection initiative.
Don't sit this one out! Make a plan to vote and take advantage of Early Voting. Make sure your friends and family have a plan to vote too. Be a part of the pro-democracy blue wave we need to hamstring the last two years of the Trump administration!
Forum for Beaches School Board Seat Thursday
One of the most important races on the August primary ballot is the District 2 School Board election, which covers the Beach and nearby area. If you are unhappy with the direction of the current Moms-for-Liberty-dominated school board, you won't want to skip this one. Hear the candidates at a forum sponsored by Beaches Watch on Thursday, August 6th at the Community Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 150 Sherry Drive. The forum starts at 7 p.m. and will feature candidates Donna Westrich, Donovan Bradley and Terence Myers.
Vote on Trump's AG Nominee Tuesday
Apparently, the key to developing a backbone is losing your primary to a Trump-endorsed candidate. Thanks to two very unhappy and soon-to-be former GOP members on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the vote on Todd Blanche, the administration's pick for Attorney General, was postponed again last week and is now scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, August 4th). A chief sticking point is the proposed "Anti-Weaponization Fund," created to compensate the perpetrators of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Add that issue to the lengthy list of reasons Blanche's nomination should be voted down, including his handling of the incomplete, bungled release of the Epstein files and the fact that his appointment will further politicize the Justice Department.
Make a call to FL Senator Ashley Moody today. She sits on the Committee considering this nomination and needs to hear from us. Blanche is unfit! Reach Moody --- who's up for election in November --- through the Capitol switchboard (202.224.3121) or click her name to email her. Tell her we need an attorney general who will act in the country's best interest, not Trump's.
Good Trouble Lives On: Virtual Vigil
Despite our best efforts, we were unsuccessful in rescheduling the closing vigil for the Good Trouble Lives On Weekend of Action. To honor Floridians who gave their lives to protect the right to vote, we humbly offer this virtual vigil highlighting the sacrifices made by voting and civil rights activists in our state. Thanks to the partners who contributed to the success of the 2026 Weekend of Action and everyone who turned out for events and activities. Let's remember what's at stake as we fight state and national efforts to suppress the vote. Our democracy depends on it.
Support BAM! Double Your Donation in August
Help BAM take advantage of Indivisible's match program by renewing your dues or making a donation during August through ActBlue. Our national organization will match dollar for dollar funding we receive up to $500. BAM uses these funds to support our advocacy activities, voter engagement, and infrastructure. Help us turn the tide in 2026 and get ready for 2028!
We Love Our Postcarders!
Thanks to the Blue Book Club (BBC) and all our other volunteers who stepped up and completed 1000+ postcards to local voters, reminding them of the importance of voting in the August primary election. BBC members took 200+ and got them done! We have more postcard campaigns planned before the November General Election --- watch for details!
Mark Your Calendar & Join Us for
August BAM Meeting!
End Note
One of our most popular BAM meetings last year featured members of the Youth in Politics group at Wolfson High School. Dylan Rolle, the organization's current president, co-moderated last week's School Board Candidate Forum with Fletcher High student Kiley Beckham. In his closing comments, Dylan reminded the audience that more than 125,000 students who attend public schools in Duval County --- and can't vote --- will be impacted by our choices in the upcoming election. He urged the group to make the needs of students their priority. It was an impactful statement and an important warning that the School Board is so much more than just a down-ballot race. The advocacy of Dylan, Kiley, and their peers continues to give us hope for the future!
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