Facilitating and encouraging informed voting
in Collier County and throughout Florida
Sparker’s Soapbox Primers are introductory or overview posts about voting, elections, and other topics in Florida or Collier County government — for the new and not-so-new Florida voter.
The laws governing primary elections in Florida are different from those in other states, and some rules even vary by political party. An understanding of Florida’s primary election process is crucial if you want your vote to make a difference.
Florida’s Primary Election Process: A Primer Post Read More »
The Naples City Council is a seven-member governing body consisting of a mayor and six city council members. They are elected in nonpartisan elections by all the voters who reside in the City.
Naples City Council: A Primer Post Read More »
Five county constitutional officers, together with a Board of County Commissioners, form the executive branch of government for Collier County and 46 other non-charter counties in Florida.
County Constitutional Officers: A Primer Post Read More »
Florida voters elect all judges. Therefore, informed voters must have a basic understanding of the state court system, each layer of which has a distinct role in providing justice across the state.
The Judicial Branch of Florida’s Government: A Primer Post Read More »
Florida’s executive branch is headed by a governor, an attorney general, a chief financial officer, and a commissioner of agriculture, each of whom is independently electied.
The Executive Branch of Florida’s Government: A Primer Post Read More »
The Florida legislature is comprised of a 40-member Senate and a 120-member House of Representatives.
The Legislative Branch of Florida’s Government: A Primer Post Read More »
The Collier County school board is comprised of five elected members who serve staggered terms of office of four years.
The Collier County School Board: A Primer Post Read More »
The five-member Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is Collier County’s legislative and governing body.
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners: A Primer Post Read More »
Lawsuits are paid for at taxpayer expense, which is just one reason you should want to be informed about them.
Why You Should Care About Florida’s Lawsuits Read More »
Florida’s public schools are required by law to teach a core content (“standards”) determined by the Florida Department of Education. Here’s what voters should know.
Florida Standards and Testing Read More »