Over the last several months there has been much discussion with regard to filling the Office of Sheriff of Alachua County should the incumbent, Steve Oelrich, qualify to run for another seat. The Supervisor of Elections has requested and received an advisory opinion from the State Division of Elections on the laws to be followed in this matter.
As Sheriff Oelrich’s current term of office would overlap with the term of office of State Senator, District 14, section 99.012(3) (a), Florida Statutes, would require Sheriff Oelrich to submit his resignation from the office of Sheriff in order to qualify to run for the office of State Senator, District 14. Pursuant to section 99.012(3) (f) 1., Florida Statutes, the submission of that resignation would create a vacancy in office to be filled by election. Persons may then qualify with the Supervisor of Elections’ Office as candidates for nomination and election to the office of Sheriff of Alachua County as if the Sheriff's term were otherwise scheduled to expire. The winner of that election would serve the remainder of Sheriff Oelrich’s current term of office which expires on January 6, 2009.
Please see the attached advisory
opinion
and
for further information please contact Pam Carpenter, Alachua County Supervisor
of Elections at (352) 374-5252
or (352) 275-9404.